Medicare is a federal health insurance program that pays for a variety of health care expenses. Medicare beneficiaries are typically seniors over 65 years of age and older. Adults with certain approved medical conditions or qualifying permanent disabilities can in some cases also be eligible for Medicare benefits.

THERE ARE 4 DIFFERENT PARTS TO THE MEDICARE PROGRAM PART A is Hospital Insurance.

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, time in a skilled nursing care facility, certain home health, and hospice care.

PART B is Medical Insurance. Part B of Medicare benefits covers non-hospital medical expenses like doctors' office visits, blood tests, X-rays and outpatient hospital care.

PART C is Private Insurance.This is called "Medicare Advantage".

PART D is Prescription Drug Insurance.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance covers the gaps that Original Medicare does not cover. These supplemental insurance policies are standardized by the federal government and sold by insurance companies.

Medicare Supplement Insurance does not function as independent health insurance. As its name suggests, it is supplemental, so you must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to be eligible There is a monthly premium that must be paid in addition to Medicare Part B's premium.

Without Medicare Supplement Insurance to help pay your incurred bills that Medicare may not cover, your expenses could really add up.

While you can budget for your insurance premium, paying for emergencies or other unexpected medical conditions could be far more costly.

WALKER & WALKER HEALTH CARE ADVISERS provide accurate information regarding all of your options once you reach Medicare age. A Medicare Advantage Plan is a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all of your Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organizations, Preferred Provider Organizations, Private Fee-for-Service Plans, Special Needs Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans.

Not all Medicare Advantage Plans work the same way, so before you join, take the time to meet with a licensed professional and compare the Medicare health plans available in your area. If you decide to be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare services are covered through the plan, rather than under Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage.

PART D is the part of Medicare that provides Prescription Drug Insurance. This part of your Medicare benefits is optional and you will pay a separate monthly fee for it.

Medicare Part D is offered through private insurance companies and the monthly fee varies among insurers. You will share in the costs of your prescription drugs according to the specific plan you enrolled in. Those costs can include a deductible, a flat copay amount, or a percentage of the full drug cost.

If you have limited income and cannot afford your medications even with your Part D Medicare benefits, you may qualify for the Extra Help program for financial assistance with your monthly premium, deductible, copay or coinsurance.

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