Medicare 101

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:
     People who are 65 or older
     People under 65 with qualifying disabilities
     People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) 

• Part A covers hospital stays and other inpatient care. You can get Part A benefits directly from the government or by enrolling into a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Part B helps cover doctor visits, outpatient surgery, labs, and medical equipment. You can get Part B benefits directly from the government or by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage), is privatized Medicare, which means it’s offered by health insurance companies. Medicare Advantage combines everything you get in Part A and Part B, usually with added benefits, like prescription coverage, dental, vision, and wellness perks.
• Part D covers prescription drugs and is only offered by private insurance companies, either through Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage, or Prescription Drug Plans that offer Part D coverage on its own.