Medicare Part A: Hospital Coverage

Medicare Part A provides hospital coverage to Medicare patients. This will include inpatient hospital care, hospice care, home health care, and skilled nursing facility care. As a rule of thumb, you are entitled to 90 days in a general hospital for each benefit period (this period begins when you enter the hospital and concludes after 60 consecutive days from the time you left a hospital or nursing facility). You will also have access to the 60 lifetime reserve days provided by Medicare.

You are also entitled to 100 days of in-home health care and nursing facility care (if you qualify).

Medicare Part B: Medical Coverage

Medicare Part B provides a variety of services related to your medical care, such as:

• Ambulance: Although there can be exceptions, coverage is typically to and from the hospital in emergency situations. Using these services in non-emergency situations is typically not covered, although there are some instances where it may be allowed if the transportation is medically required.
• Chiropractors
• Durable Medical Equipment: Oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, canes, walkers, and similar equipment fall into this category. After your medical provider approves your DME, you may purchase it from a Medicare-approved supply company.
• Home Health Services
• Limited Prescription Drug Coverage: Only certain prescriptions are covered under Part B. Immunosuppressants, dialysis drugs, anti-emetic drugs, and several cancer drugs are a few of the prescriptions covered.
• Preventative Care: Any services to prevent illness and maintain your current health is typically covered by Medicare.
• Provider Services: Primary care services that are considered medically necessary will be covered.
• Psychological Care
• X-Rays and Labs

Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage

Often referred to as “bundled plans” or “all in ones”, Medicare Advantage is designed to offer a more comprehensive medical package. Medicare Advantage plans provide all the benefits of Original Medicare Parts A & B, and many also provide coverage for gym memberships, hearing, vision, and dental. Other benefits may include prescription drug coverage, access to nutritionists, physical therapists, rides to and from the doctor, and more.

Carriers may also offer a plan that caters to the needs of patients with specific conditions. To qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must:

• Have Medicare Parts A and B
• Live in an area that offers Medicare Advantage plans

Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Whether it’s included in your Medicare Advantage plan or a stand-alone plan, Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. It is recommended that you enroll in Medicare Part D as soon as possible to avoid penalties or coverage gaps. There are conditions in which you may not need to immediately enroll, so be sure to speak with a licensed insurance agent about your specific situation.