Medicare Basics

Overview of Medicare

BASIC Eligibility CRITERIA

BASIC Eligibility CRITERIA

BASIC Eligibility CRITERIA

Age-Based Eligibility

65 years or older
Automatic enrollment for Social Security recipients
Can manually enroll 3 months before turning 65

Disability-Based Eligibility

Under 65 with qualifying disabilities
Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months
Certain medical conditions like ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease

Citizenship and Residency Requirements

U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
Lived in the United States for at least 5 continuous years

Parts of Original Medicare

BASIC Eligibility CRITERIA

BASIC Eligibility CRITERIA

Part A: Hospital Insurance

Covers inpatient hospital stays
Skilled nursing facility care
Hospice care
Some home health care
No premium for most recipients

Part B: Medical Insurance

Outpatient care
Preventive services
Medical supplies
Doctor visits
Requires monthly premium

Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans

Alternative to Original Medicare
Offered by private insurance companies
Combines Part A and Part B coverage
Often includes prescription drug coverage
May offer additional benefits (dental, vision)

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Prescription medication benefits
Administered by private insurance companies
Helps lower prescription costs
Optional coverage
Varies by plan and medication

ADDITIONAL MEDICARE OPTIONS

BASIC Eligibility CRITERIA

ADDITIONAL MEDICARE OPTIONS

Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Prescription medication benefits
Administered by private insurance companies
Helps lower prescription costs
Optional coverage
Varies by plan and medication

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Private insurance
Covers gaps in Original Medicare
Helps pay out-of-pocket costs
Standardized plans (A-N)
Purchased alongside Original Medicare