Understanding Medicare | Medicare - St. Luke's Health Plan

Understanding Medicare

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Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65+ and some younger people with disabilities or qualifying conditions. It helps cover many health care services, but not everything.

Medicare's four parts.

Part A: Hospital insurance

Helps cover hospital stays, skilled nursing care, some home health care, and hospice. Most people don't pay a monthly premium if they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.

Part B: Medical insurance

Helps cover services like doctor visits, preventive care, lab and diagnostic testing, and some durable medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B.

Part C: Medicare Advantage

Offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, these plans provide all Part A and Part B benefits and often also include Part D.

Part D: Prescription coverage

Helps cover the cost of prescription medications through Medicare-approved private insurance companies that follow Medicare rules.

Original Medicare:
Parts A and B

This option includes Part A and Part B, with the option to add Part D and a Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) policy to help cover out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare Advantage:
Part C

Offered by private insurance companies, this option includes Part A and Part B, and may include Part D prescription drug coverage. Many plans also offer extra benefits, such as dental, vision and hearing coverage.

Timing matters.

Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65, though some qualify earlier because of certain disabilities or medical conditions.

Knowing when to enroll is important, as enrollment rules vary by situation. Missing key enrollment periods can lead to delayed coverage or late enrollment penalties.

For more info, visit Medicare.gov or call 1‑800‑MEDICARE (1‑800‑633‑4227), available 24/7 (except for some federal holidays).
TTY users call 1‑877‑486‑2048.

Let's get started.

Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65+ and some younger people with disabilities or qualifying conditions. It helps cover many health care services, but not everything.

Medicare's four parts.

Part A: Hospital insurance

Part B: Medical insurance

Part C: Medicare Advantage

Part D: Prescription coverage

Know your options.

Original Medicare:
Parts A and B

Medicare Advantage:
Part C

Know when to enroll.

Timing matters.

More questions?

For more info, visit Medicare.gov or call 1‑800‑MEDICARE (1‑800‑633‑4227), available 24/7 (except for some federal holidays).
TTY users call 1‑877‑486‑2048.

Let's get started.

Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65+ and some younger people with disabilities or qualifying conditions. It helps cover many health care services, but not everything.

Part A: Hospital insurance

Part B: Medical insurance

Part C: Medicare Advantage

Part D: Prescription coverage

Original Medicare:Parts A and B

Medicare Advantage:Part C

Timing matters.

More questions?

For more info, visit Medicare.gov or call 1‑800‑MEDICARE (1‑800‑633‑4227), available 24/7 (except for some federal holidays). TTY users call 1‑877‑486‑2048.

Original Medicare:
Parts A and B

Medicare Advantage:
Part C

For more info, visit Medicare.gov or call 1‑800‑MEDICARE (1‑800‑633‑4227), available 24/7 (except for some federal holidays).
TTY users call 1‑877‑486‑2048.