⚕️ Part A – Hospital Insurance

• Covers: Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and home health services.  
• Costs (2024):  
  • Premium: $0 for most people (if you/your spouse paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years).  
  • Deductible: $1,632 per benefit period.

🛡️ Medicare Advantage (Part C)

• What It Is: Private plans bundling Parts A, B, and often Part D.  
• Extra Benefits: Dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs.  
• Plan Types: HMO, PPO, SNP, and more.

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🛡️ Why Choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan?

🌟 Extra Benefits Included

Part C plans often bundle coverage beyond Original Medicare, such as:  

• 👁️ Vision: Routine eye exams, glasses, or contacts.  
• 👂 Hearing: Hearing tests and hearing aids.  
• 🦷 Dental: Cleanings, fillings, and dentures.  
• 🏋️♂️ Health & Wellness: Gym memberships, nutrition programs, and telehealth services.

💡 Two Ways to Get Coverage

Part C plans come in two formats:  

1. MA (Medical Only): Combines Parts A & B (hospital and medical insurance).  
2. MAPD (Medical + Prescription Drugs): Includes Part D (prescription drug coverage).

🔄 Types of Medicare Advantage Plans

Choose a plan that fits your lifestyle:  

• 🏥 HMO Plans: Use in-network providers; referrals needed for specialists.  
• 🌐 PPO Plans: Flexibility to see out-of-network providers at higher costs.  
• 🆓 PFFS Plans: No network restrictions (if providers accept the plan’s terms).  
• 💰 MSA Plans: Pair a high-deductible plan with a tax-free savings account.  
• 🎯 SNP Plans: Tailored for people with specific chronic conditions or disabilities.

✅ Key Takeaway

Part C simplifies coverage by bundling care into one plan—often with lower out-of-pocket costs and perks like dental or fitness programs. Compare options during enrollment periods to find your best fit!  

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🩺🩺 Part B – Medical Insurance

• Covers: Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment.  
• Costs (2024):  
  • Premium: $174.70/month (higher incomes pay more).  
  • Deductible: $240/year

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💊 Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

• Covers: Generic and brand-name medications.  
• Key Features:  
  • Standalone plans or included in Medicare Advantage (MAPD).  
  • Avoid late enrollment penalties.

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🧩 Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Basics

Medigap plans help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t—so you pay less out of pocket. Here’s what you need to know:  

🔍 What Medigap Covers

• 🛡️ Fill the Gaps: Pays for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance under Parts A & B.  
• 💸 Excess Charges: Covers extra costs if a provider charges more than Medicare approves.  
• 🌍 Foreign Travel Emergencies: Many plans include emergency care abroad (up to plan limits).

🏢 How Medigap Works

• Sold By: Private insurance companies (must be licensed in your state).  
• Timing: Pays after Medicare covers its share of your care.  
• Flexibility: Use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.

⚠️ Important Notes

• 🚫 Not for Medicare Advantage: You can’t have Medigap and a Part C plan at the same time.  
• 🎯 Best Time to Enroll: Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starts when you’re 65+ and enrolled in Part B).  
  • Guaranteed approval during this window—no health questions!

💡 Key Takeaway

Medigap simplifies budgeting by reducing unpredictable costs. Compare standardized plans (labeled A-N) to find one that fits your needs!  

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