The ABCDs of Medicare
The ABCDs of Medicare
Medicare Part A: Hospital Services
In general, Part A covers:
- Inpatient care in a hospital
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility (not custodial or long-term care)
- Hospice care
- Home health care
What is not covered by Medicare Part A:
- Long-term care (also called custodial care)
- Most dental care
- Eye examinations related to prescribing glasses
- Dentures
- Acupuncture
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them
- Routine foot care
- Observation status in the hospital (even if you stay overnight in a regular hospital you might be classified as an outpatient)
Medicare Part B: Medical Services
Part B helps pay for the care you receive from doctors. It also covers:
- Outpatient care
- Medical tests
- Durable Medical Equipment and supplies
- Preventive care and Routine care, including mammography and Pap tests
- Getting a second opinion before surgery
Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans provide all benefits covered by Part A and Part B and more.
Some include vision, hearing, and dental coverage, plus wellness programs. Some also provide free transportation services for medical appointments. Most plans include coverage for prescription drugs (Part D) at no additional charge.
The amount of money you pay toward some services may differ when you have a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Only Medicare-approved private companies can offer Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.
Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Plans
You must have prescription drug coverage. Some plans already have a Medicare part D coverage included.
You can choose:
- Standalone prescription coverage (Prescription Drug Plan)
- Medicare Advantage plan coverage that includes medical and prescription coverage.
- Durable Medical Equipment and supplies
- Preventive care and Routine care, including mammography and Pap tests
- Getting a second opinion before surgery