Original Medicare is broken down into two parts: Part A which covers hospitalization and Part B which covers day to day medical needs such as office visits. These two work together to create the basic Medicare coverage. Generally speaking, most seniors receive Part A at no premium cost to them. Part B is a different story.
Medicare Part B Covers
Medicare Part B covers two types of care: 1) Medically necessary services to treat or diagnose medical issues you currently have. 2) Preventive care. Medicare Part part B covers things like the following:
- Clinical research
- Ambulance services
- Durable medical equipment (DME)
- Mental health
- Partial hospitalization
- Getting a second opinion before surgery
- Limited outpatient prescription drugs
Part B Premium
Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B of $174.70. If you make over $85,000 a year you will pay more. To calculate your exact amount contact social security.
Medicare Part A & B Offer Basic Coverage
Medicare Part A and Part B offer only basic coverage for seniors. What we mean by this is that seniors are still responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, excess charges, and leaves seniors vulnerable if they were to have an extended hospital stay. There are two options for seniors, one is to replace their current Medicare with Medicare Advantage, and the second is to supplement their Medicare with Medigap.
Medicare Advantage and Part B
Medicare Advantage plans “replace” Original Medicare by limiting your network, they can cover services differently than Original Medicare, and they can add extras like dental, vision, and drugs. Medicare Advantage premiums can be as low as $0 a month, but you will still be responsible for your Part B premium.
Medigap and Part B
Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) fill in the gaps and can cover Part B’s deductible, copays, and coinsurance. You will also have a separate premium plus the Part B premium. Medigap plans vary in coverage, therefore their premiums can vary. Click here to get a Medigap quote .
For further questions about Part B or signing up for Medigap or Medicare Advantage call 800-930-7956 or contact Senior65.com.