Medicare 101

Medicare Explained

What Does Original Medicare include?

Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health plan that includes Part A and Part B.

  • Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
    Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
  • Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
    Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Medicare Part A in Detail

What qualifies you to be eligible for Part A Medicare? First, you need to be either 65 or disable. You or your spouse will also have to of worked for 10 years and have paid your taxes. 

Does Medicare Part A have a premium? There is no premium for having Medicare Part A if you worked for 10 years or 40 quarters where you paid into Medicare.

How do you sign up for Medicare Part A? If you Qualify for Medicare Part A you will be automatically enrolled in Part A when you turn 65 and if you are collecting Social Security. If you are not collecting Social Security you need to actively enroll in parts A and B through Social Security. You will receive your “Welcome to Medicare” letter in the mail approximately 3 months prior to your effective date if you are receiving Social Security and are automatically enrolled. Your red white and blue Medicare card will be in this welcome package and will be needed if you wish to enroll in a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan.

 

Medicare Part B in Detail

How do you qualify for Medicare Part B? To qualify for Medicare part B you must be of 65 years of age and have worked for the last 10 years and paid your taxes. You can qualify if you are disabled or have End-Stage Renal Disease.

Is there a premium for Part B Medicare? There is a premium for Part B Medicare. It will be automatically deducted from your benefit payments if you receive payments from one of these,

  • Social Security
  • Railroad Retirement Board
  • Office of Personnel Management

How much does Part B Medicare Cost in 2022? The standard Part B premium in 2021 will be $148.50 A majority of people will pay this amount. Below is a chart that explains how your Medicare Part B might be higher based off of your adjust gross income as reported to the IRS from 2 years prior to enrolling in Medicare.

 

Yearly income affects Cost of part B

What is Medicare part D?

Medicare Part D is drug coverage that will provide you the medications you need. Part D plans are provided by private Insurance companies that are regulated by federal programs. You can sign up for a Part D drug plan on basic Medicare A and B, While on a Supplemental Plan, or when enrolled in a Part C Medicare Advantage Plan. With a Part C Medicare Advantage plan, Part D is included in the plan. With a Supplemental plan, you will need to add a separate Part D plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Part D.

How much does Medicare Part D cost? 

The Monthly Premiums for Part D can usually start at around $15 a month. This price could be less or more depending on multiple factors such as eligibility for Extra Help, your income, Plan quality, and if you have it included with a Medicare Part C Plan. 

Am I eligible for Medicare Part D?

If you are entitled to Medicare Part A and/or enrolled in Medicare Part B then you are eligible to sign up for a Medicare Part D plan.

Do I need to get a Medicare Part D Plan?

If you are eligible for a Medicare Part D plan you are highly encouraged to get a Plan. If you do not have credible prescription drug coverage while eligible for Medicare Part D you could later get a Late Enrollment Penalty added to your monthly premium.