Know your ABCs and Ds when it comes to Medicare enrollment

Medicare’s ABCD can be confusing to seniors. The more you understand about Medicare, the easier it will be to make better decisions.

The Medicare ABCs and Ds

Medicare is divided into four sections: A, B, C, and D. Each component reflects a distinct form of insurance coverage:

• Part A of Medicare is hospital insurance that generally covers in-patient hospitalization, hospice care, and skilled nursing facility care.
• Part B of Medicare provides coverage for doctor’s visits, lab testing, preventative treatments, outpatient care, and medical supplies. Part B is optional coverage with a monthly premium and an annual deductible for most people.
• Part C of Medicare is a private insurance plan that contracts with Medicare to offer Part A and Part B services to beneficiaries.
• Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs for those on Medicare. PDPs, or Medicare Prescription Prescription Programs, supplement. Original Medicare by providing drug coverage. Part D coverage is also available through a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare and its different alternatives and supplements will be a vital component of your well-being whether you’re approaching or have already reached the age of 65.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice or substituted for consultation with a licensed practitioner. To discover what is best for you, you should speak with a licensed specialist.