Parts of Medicare

Part A

Medicare Part A, which covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care, is usually available at no cost to those who qualify. To receive Part A without a premium, you or your spouse must have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters).If you haven't met the work requirement, you can still purchase Part A by paying a monthly premium. Once you're enrolled in Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A, and your Medicare card will be mailed to you about a month before you turn 65.

Part B

Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, preventive services, doctor visits, and some home health care. Like Part A, you're eligible for Part B if you're 65 or older and meet the residency or citizenship requirements. Unlike Part A, Part B requires a monthly premium, which is determined based on your income

Part C

Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare. To enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must first be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and often include additional benefits like vision, hearing, and dental coverage.

Part D

Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage and is available to anyone who is enrolled in either Part A or Part B. You can choose a standalone Part D plan to add prescription coverage to your Original Medicare, or opt for a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes Part D.

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