Medicare.

Finding Medicare insurance can be a daunting task. With all of the changes happening in the health insurance industry, laws regulating health insurance, and the government’s influence on health insurance, you can trust Charlotte Martin Insurance to guide you into the right Medicare insurance plan that meets your needs and your budget.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).

What are the different parts of Medicare?

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 doctor’s services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans)

Part C is a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare.  These plans include Part A, Part B and usually Part D. 

Plans may offer some extra benefits that Medicare doesn’t cover.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

Part D adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. These plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage that follows the same rules as Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

Medicare Supplement, Etc.

Medigap is Medicare Supplement Insurance that helps fill gaps in Original Medicare and is sold by private insurance companies.  Original Medicare pays for much, but not all, of the cost for covered health care services and supplies.  It can help pay some of the remaining health care costs like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.

When can you enroll in Medicare?

There are only certain times when people can enroll in Medicare. Depending on the situation, some people may get Medicare automatically, and others need to apply for Medicare. The first time you can enroll is called your Initial Enrollment Period. Your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period usually:

Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65

Includes the month you turn 65

Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65