What is Medicare

What is Medicare, and what is Medigap? These are two of the most common questions we are asked daily, so we decided to dedicate an entire page to what is Medicare and Medigap trivia question. While both Medicare and Medigap are very in-depth, this page should give you a broad understanding of how to discern one from the other and see if they apply to you. You can always call us with questions at (770) 687-6918. We’re here to help!

The government provides Medicare Part A and B. Your Part A is paid for through 40 quarters of Medicare taxes while working, and Part B is paid monthly once you enroll in Medicare. For most people, as of 2022, the Part B premium is $170.10. However, it is based on your income. Medicare Part A and B by themselves leave you with many gaps in coverage, so using them alone isn’t a great idea.

So, what is Medigap?
A Medigap plan fills the gaps in Part A and B. For most people, the best Medigap plan (Plan F) runs between $125 to $165 at age 65, depending on where in the country you live. Plan F fills all of the gaps in coverage (Prescriptions aside, that’s Part D, below). However, around here, we are big fans of Plan G, the second-best plan. More on that later.

Medicare is Health Insurance for:

People 65 or older

People under 65 with specific disabilities

People of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant)

The Different Parts of Medicare

Medicare Part A - Hospital Insurance

- Inpatient care in hospitals

- Skilled nursing facilities

- Hospice

- Home health care

Usually, you don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A coverage if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. This is sometimes called premium-free Part A. If you aren’t eligible for premium-free Part A, you may be able to buy Part A and pay a premium.

Medicare Part B - Medical Insurance

Services from doctors and other health care providers, hospital outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and home health care

Preventive services to help maintain your health and to keep certain illnesses from getting worse

Most people pay the standard monthly Part B premium. Note: You may want to get coverage that fills gaps in Original Medicare coverage. You can choose to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy from a private company.

Medicare Part C - Medicare Advantage

- Includes all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B

-Run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies

Usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan

-May include extra benefits and services for an additional cost

We have a great article about Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap and how to choose.

Medicare Part D - Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

It helps cover the cost of outpatient prescription drugs

Run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies

It may help lower your prescription drug costs and help protect against higher prices in the future

Note: If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for help paying for your health care and prescription drug costs. For more information, visit socialsecurity.gov, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or contact your local State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid may also cover services not usually covered by Medicare (like long-term supports and services and personal care services). Each state has different rules about eligibility and applying
for Medicaid. If you qualify for Medicaid in your form, you automatically qualify for Extra Help paying your Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D).

You may be eligible for Medicaid if you have limited income and are any of these:

65 or older
A child under 19
Pregnant
Living with a disability
A parent or adult caring for a child
An adult without dependent children (in certain states)
An eligible immigrant

In many states, more parents and other adults can get coverage now. If you were turned down in the past, you can try again

and may qualify now.

When you enroll, you can get the health care benefits you need, like:

Doctor visits
Hospital stays
Long-term services and supports
Preventive care, including immunizations, mammograms, colonoscopies, and other needed care
Prenatal and maternity care
Mental health care
Necessary medications
Vision and dental care (for children)

You should apply for Medicaid if you or someone in your family needs health care. If you aren’t sure whether you qualify, a qualified caseworker in your state can look at your situation. Contact your local or state Medicaid office to see if you are eligible and apply. To get information about your state’s Medicaid program, visit HealthCare.gov/do-i-qualify-for-medicaid.

DUAL ELIGIBILITY– Some eligible people for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles.” If you have Medicare and full Medicaid coverage, most of your health care costs are likely covered. You can get your Medicare coverage through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO). Medicare covers your Part D prescription drugs if you have Medicare and full Medicaid. Medicaid may still cover some drugs and other care that Medicare doesn’t cover.