Medicare is government national health insurance program. It is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Medicare has four parts: Part A covers hospital insurance, Part B covers medical insurance, Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage) is an alternative to Parts A and B, and Part D covers prescription drugs.
You can enroll in Medicare during your initial enrollment period, which is usually the three months before and after your 65th birthday. There are also other enrollment periods, such as the annual enrollment period and special enrollment periods.
A Medicare Advantage plan is an alternative to traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) and is offered by private insurance companies. These plans often offer additional benefits, such as dental and vision coverage.
There is no premium of Part A for most people. For 2023, Part B has a monthly premium of $164.90. This amount may be higher based on your income. Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (Prescription drug plans) may also have a monthly premium which can vary by plan. Deductibles, coinsurance and copays may apply to all part of Medicare.
Yes, you can change your Medicare coverage during certain enrollment periods. You can switch from traditional Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or switch from one Part D plan to another.
The right Medicare plan for you depends on your specific healthcare needs and budget. A licensed Medicare insurance agent can help you compare plans and determine which one is best for you.