What is Medicare

Medicare supplement insurance program is administered by the government for people aged 65 and older. The Social Security Administration handles eligibility and enrollment and can be contacted at 800-772-1213. Contact them if you want to enroll in Medicare or to ask questions about eligibility.

Medicare Insurance

To fill in some of the “gaps” that Medicare does not cover you can get Medicare health insurance. There are 12 standardized Medicare supplement insurance plans that are available, labeled "A" through "L." Each plan offers a varying combination of benefits. Four plans - F, J, K and L offer high deductible options.

Not everyone needs Medicare health insurance. You probably will not need a Medicare supplement plan if:

• You have group health insurance through employment (employer or former employer) including government or military retiree plans
• You belong to a Medicare Advantage plan
• Medicaid or the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program pays your Medicare premiums and other costs

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Parts A and B)

You must participate in Medicare Parts A and B to participate in any Medicare supplement insurance plans.

Medicare Part A (hospital) pays for in-patient hospital services, home health care, hospice care and skilled nursing facility care after a hospital stay. Medicare Part A also pays for all but the first three pints of blood in a calendar year.

Medicare Part B (medical) pays for medical expenses, outpatient hospital treatment and clinical laboratory services. In most cases, Medicare pays 80 % of the cost of covered services.

Medicare (Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage)

Payment for prescription drugs is covered through Medicare supplement insurance Part D, both generic and brand name. You must join a prescription drug plan to have this coverage. The initial enrollment period to join a Medicare drug plan is three months before your 65th birthday to three months after you turn age 65. You can switch to a different Medicare drug plan if your needs change each year between November 15 - December 31.

Not Covered By Medicare

The following services are not covered by Medicare:

• Private nursing care
• Long-term care services
• Most dental care and dentures
• Cosmetic surgery and routine foot care
• Health care received while traveling outside the United States, except under limited circumstances
• Routine eye care, eyeglasses (except after cataract surgery) and hearing aids

Content provided by medicare.gov.

This information is provided for InsWeb users' general information. InsWeb makes no representation as to the information's completeness or accuracy. We urge you to contact your insurance professional directly for specific information and instructions.