Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain people with disabilities, and people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease. It ensures that all seniors have basic medical insurance (Part A) at no cost to them. It also provides the option of medical insurance (Part B). Part A & Part B make up what is called Original Medicare.
There is also a Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage, that combines the Part A, B and D into one program for ease of use. You will choose between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Your choice will determine how much you pay in premiums, how much you pay out of pocket, and how much coverage you receive. This decision will influence your health decisions in the future- do not make this decision alone. Contact your local tribal representative today!
Original Medicare
- Part A (Hospital Insurance)
- Inpatient Care in Hospitals
- Skilled Nursing facility Care
- Hospice Care
- Home Health Care
- Part B (Medical insurance)
- Doctors and other health care providers
- Outpatient Care
- Home Health Care
- Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.)
- Preventative Services (screenings, vaccines, wellness visits)
- Part D (Drug Coverage)
- Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.
Medigap (Supplemental)
Medigap (Supplemental). This is only available to people with Original Medicare Part A and B. Part D (Drug Coverage) is now a completely separate plan. Medigap can help with:
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
- Deductibles
Medigap policies generally don't cover long-term care, vision, dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses or private duty nursing. Those benefits may be available in a Medicare Advantage Plan. You cannot have a Medigap plan if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
