Original Medicare
Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. Part A generally helps cover inpatient hospital care, while Part B generally helps cover physician services and other outpatient medical care.
Understanding Medicare
Medicare Coverage made easier to understand.
Learn the basics of Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement insurance, prescription drug coverage, and Medicare enrollment periods.
Medicare basics
What is Medicare?
Medicare is federal health insurance primarily for people age 65 and older. Certain younger people may also qualify based on disability or other eligibility requirements.
Medicare has different parts that cover different types of healthcare services, and there are different ways to receive Medicare coverage.
Understanding the basics can make it easier to know what questions to ask when reviewing your individual coverage options.
Coverage options
Understanding Medicare coverage
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage are the two main ways to receive Medicare coverage. Additional coverage options may also be available depending on how you receive Medicare.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare offered through Medicare-approved private insurance companies.
Medicare Supplement
Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, works with Original Medicare and can help pay certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not pay.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage through private plans. Covered medications and costs can vary by plan.
Provider Access
Provider access depends on how you receive Medicare coverage. Some private Medicare plans use provider networks.
Prescription Coverage
Drug formularies and prescription costs can vary between plans, making your current medications an important part of reviewing coverage.
Comparing coverage
What should you consider when reviewing Medicare coverage?
Your doctors, prescriptions, healthcare usage, travel needs, and current coverage can all be important when discussing Medicare options with a licensed Medicare agent.
- Which doctors and hospitals do you use?
- What prescription medications do you take?
- How frequently do you use healthcare services?
- Do you travel frequently or live in more than one state?
- What healthcare costs are important to you?
- Do you currently have other health coverage?
Enrollment timing
When can Medicare coverage be changed?
Medicare has several enrollment periods. The enrollment period that applies to you depends on your eligibility, current coverage, and individual circumstances.
Common Medicare enrollment periods include:
- Initial Enrollment Period
- Medicare Open Enrollment Period
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
- Special Enrollment Periods for certain qualifying circumstances
Different enrollment periods allow different types of changes. A licensed Medicare agent can help you understand which enrollment opportunities may apply to your situation.
Need additional help?
We can connect you with a licensed Medicare agent.
Health Accident Life provides general educational information about Medicare. If you need personalized assistance comparing Medicare plans or reviewing plan-specific options, we can connect you with a licensed Medicare agent.
A licensed Medicare agent can help with questions involving:
- Medicare Advantage plans
- Medicare Supplement insurance
- Prescription drug coverage
- Provider and hospital networks
- Plan-specific costs and benefits
- Medicare enrollment periods
Frequently asked questions
Medicare FAQs
Is Medicare Advantage the same as Original Medicare?
No. Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B and is administered by the federal government. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies as another way to receive Medicare Part A and Part B benefits.
What is Medicare Supplement insurance?
Medicare Supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, works with Original Medicare and can help pay certain out-of-pocket healthcare costs that Original Medicare does not pay.
What is Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage through private insurance plans that contract with Medicare.
Do Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks?
Provider access and network requirements can vary between Medicare Advantage plans. Checking whether your doctors and hospitals participate in a plan's network can be an important part of comparing coverage.
Can prescription coverage vary between Medicare plans?
Yes. Drug formularies, participating pharmacies, coverage requirements, and prescription costs can vary by plan.
When is Medicare Open Enrollment?
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, people with Medicare can make certain changes to Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage for the following year.
Can Health Accident Life enroll me in a Medicare plan?
This page provides general educational information about Medicare. If you need personalized Medicare plan assistance, Health Accident Life can connect you with a licensed Medicare agent who can help you review available options.
This page is for general educational purposes and is not a complete description of Medicare benefits, eligibility, or enrollment rules. Health Accident Life is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Plan availability, benefits, eligibility, provider networks, formularies, and costs vary by plan, carrier, location, and individual circumstances.
Need help beyond the basics?
We can connect you with a licensed Medicare agent who can answer plan-specific questions and help you review Medicare coverage options.
Get Connected With a Medicare Agent