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Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare, A Simple Explanation
S
ocial Security and Medicare are
both programs that are household
names, but do you know the
true difference? Both programs help
safeguard millions of Americans as
well as improve the quality of life for
their family and friends. While Social
Security offers retirement, disability,
and survivors’ benefits, Medicare
provides health insurance.
Medicare is our country’s health
insurance program for people age
65 or older, and younger people
receiving Social Security disability
benefits. The program helps with the
cost of health care, but it doesn’t cover
all medical expenses or the cost of most
long-term care.
When you first enroll in Medicare
and during certain times of the year, you
can choose how you get your Medicare
coverage. There are 2 main ways to get
Medicare:
ORIGINAL MEDICARE
Original Medicare includes Medicare
Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B
(Medical Insurance). If you want drug
coverage, you can join a separate Part
D plan. To help pay your out-of-pocket
costs in Original Medicare (like your
deductible and 20% coinsurance), you
can also shop for and buy supplemental
coverage. Examples include coverage
from a Medicare Supplement Insurance
(Medigap) policy, or from a former
employer or union.
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE (ALSO
KNOWN AS PART C)
Medicare Advantage is an “all in one”
alternative to Original Medicare. These
“bundled” plans include Part A, Part B,
and usually Part D. Part C plans may
have lower out-of-pocket costs than
Original Medicare. They also may offer
extra benefits that Original Medicare
doesn’t cover — like vision, hearing,
dental, and more.
If you can’t afford to pay your
Medicare premiums and other medical
costs, you may be able to get help
from your state. States offer programs
for people eligible for or entitled
to Medicare who have low income.
Some programs may pay for Medicare
premiums and some pay Medicare
deductibles and coinsurance. To qualify,
you must have limited income and
resources.
You can learn more about Medicare,
including how to apply for Medicare
and get a replacement Medicare card, at
www.socialsecurity.gov/benefits/
medicare.
MILLCREEK
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