What is Medicare?

In case you’ve never given any thought to Medicare until now, let’s start from scratch.

Medicare, established in 1965, is a US federal government program providing health insurance coverage to Americans 65 and older, people under 65 with disabilities, and individuals with end-stage renal disease.

How does enrollment in Medicare work?

Most Americans become eligible for Medicare at age 65. If you’re not disabled and your eligibility begins at 65, your initial enrollment period begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65. If you become eligible for Medicare prior to reaching 65, you have a similar seven-month enrollment period starting three months before the month your Medicare eligibility begins.

During your enrollment window you can easily sign up for Medicare by visiting Social Security Information Page.

Your initial enrollment signs you up for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B), which provides the foundation of your Medicare coverage. Medicare Part A helps cover hospital costs, while Medicare Part B normally pays 80% of the cost of covered medical expenses.

During your initial enrollment period, you’re also eligible to sign up for Medicare Part C and Medicare Part D.

Whoa. What are those?

Excellent question. Here’s a short description of each.

Medicare Part C (also called Medicare Advantage) plans are optional Medicare plans offered by Medicare-approved private companies.

Part C/Medicare Advantage plans replace your Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B coverage, and can also provide additional coverage in various areas of health including dental, vision, and hearing. Most Part C plans also include prescription drug coverage. Call MedicareMall toll-free (877) 413-1556 to learn about Medicare Advantage plans available in your area.

Medicare Part D plans are voluntary prescription drug plans available to anyone enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B. Part D prescription drug plans can be added to Original Medicare or provided through Medicare Advantage plans.

You should note that if you don’t join a Medicare prescription drug plan as soon as you become eligible for Medicare, you may face penalties and limited enrollment opportunities if you want to join later.

Medicare can go a long way toward helping you maintain your good health—if you have the experience and knowledge to take advantage of it. If you have any questions about Medicare or Medicare supplement insurance designed to fill the gaps in Medicare coverage, contact MedicareMall now and let us save you money and lead you with confidence through the Medicare maze!

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