Just hearing the term “Medicare” can be overwhelming for many people. While making sense of Medicare can be challenging, it helps to start with an understanding of the basics.

Medicare is a Federal health insurance program that is available when you are age 65. It offers basic coverage to help you pay for things like doctor visits, hospital stays, and surgery. A good way to understand Medicare is to first learn about the different “parts” that make up the Medicare system:

Part A – Hospital Coverage. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, some home healthcare, and skilled nursing facility care. Medicare Parts A and B are known as “Original Medicare,” since they were developed first.

Part B – Medical Coverage. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, X-rays and lab tests, and preventive screenings.

Part C – Medicare Advantage. The government allows private health insurance companies to offer Medicare Advantage plans that supplement Original Medicare. The plans provide additional coverage and benefits to Original Medicare at an affordable cost to most consumers. Plans vary, and can include routine vision, dental, hearing, and health wellness programs.

Part D – Prescription Drugs. Medicare Part D helps pay for your prescription medications. It is offered through private health insurance plans at an extra cost. Medicare Part D is also included in some Medicare Advantage Plans.

At Reliant, we have resources available to help you understand how Medicare works. Learn more at www.reliantmedicalgroup.org/medicare