Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Medicare Insurance Plans in Pennsylvania

Let’s take a look at the components of Medicare.  Medicare includes Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D.

Medicare Part A: Provides coverage for hospital care and is often referred to as hospital care coverage.

Medicare Part B: Provides coverage for physician care and is usually referred to as physician care coverage.

Both Medicare Part A and Part B are considered Original Medicare, which is administered by the U.S. Federal Government.

When someone signs up for Medicare, they are automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B as long as they’re already receiving retirement benefits before turning 65, and those who don’t want to pay the premium for Part B must dis-enroll.

Those who don’t get Medicare automatically have the option to sign up manually for it during the Initial Enrollment Period which begins 3 months before turning age 65, includes the birthday month, and ends 3 months after for a total of 7 months.

Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania

Medicare Part C: An alternative to Original Medicare and is available through Medicare Advantage plans.  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offer Medicare Part C which includes the same level of benefits Part A and Part B provide, and could also include additional coverages.

Medicare Part D: Consists of Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans as well as Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP).  The CMS approves the private insurance companies that offer Part D benefits.  Medicare Part D coverage helps lower out of pocket expenses for prescriptions while also covering certain medication costs.

Medigap: Also refers to Medicare Supplemental Insurance, or Med Supps and is used to cover certain out-of-pocket expenses that are not typically covered with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).