Medicare has four parts:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): This covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): This covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical supplies.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): This is a type of Medicare plan that provides all of the benefits of Part A and Part B, plus extra benefits like vision, hearing, and dental care.
- Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage): This helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.
You can enroll in Medicare during a specific time period, called the Initial Enrollment Period. This period starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you enroll in Medicare during this time, your coverage will start the first day of the month you enroll.
To enroll in Medicare, you must apply with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can do this online, by phone, or by mail.
If you don’t enroll in Medicare during the Initial Enrollment Period, you can still enroll during a later period, but you may have to pay a higher monthly premium.
If you enroll in Medicare during the initial enrollment period, your coverage will start the first day of the month you enroll. If you enroll during a special enrollment period, your coverage will start the first day of the month after you enroll.
Once you are enrolled in Medicare, you will have to pay a monthly premium. The amount of your premium will depend on your income and the type of Medicare plan you choose.
You will also have to pay deductibles and copayments for some services. The amount of your deductibles and copayments will depend on the type of Medicare plan you choose.
Medicare can help you cover the costs of your health care. It can also help you stay healthy by providing preventive services.
There are also a number of private insurance plans that offer Medicare Advantage coverage. These plans typically cover all or most of the same benefits as Original Medicare, but they may have different costs and rules.
If you’re thinking about enrolling in Medicare, you should talk to Ashford Insurance at 817-952-3153 to learn more about your options.
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