Medicare Part A and Part B are known as Original Medicare. They both cover certain approved healthcare services. To enroll in both Medicare Part A and Part B, you must be 65 years old or older or meet specific requirements if you are under 65.
What Medicare Part A Covers
Medicare Part A is considered hospital insurance. To explain further, Medicare Part A covers the healthcare expenses if you need home healthcare after an inpatient hospital stay. Part A covers services such as inpatient hospital care, i.e., treatments or services you need while admitted to a hospital, limited home healthcare services, hospice care, and skilled nursing facility care. Part A also covers short stays at a skilled nursing facility but does not cover custodial or long-term care.
As for the costs, if you have paid up to 40 quarters of Medicare taxes while employed, you qualify to enroll in premium-free Part A. However, there are other costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
What Medicare Part B Covers
Medicare Part B makes up the second part of Original Medicare. Medicare Part B covers outpatient services. To go in more depth, Medicare Part B covers:
- Emergency room visits
- Medically necessary or preventive doctors’ visits
- Same-day surgical procedures
- Vaccines and flu shots
- Preventative screenings and tests for conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes, heart disease, depression, lung cancer, etc.
- Preventive and diagnostic mammograms
- Durable medical equipment
- Laboratory tests
- Mental health services
- Other approved outpatient services
Unlike Part A, Part B premiums must be paid. It’s important to remember that your Part B premiums may be higher if you have an annual income above the limit. Other costs you can expect to pay include an annual deductible, copayments, and coinsurance.
Learn More About Medicare Coverage Today!
At My Healthcare Direct, we understand how important it is that you know what your Medicare options are and what type of coverage they will provide you. That’s why when it comes to something as important as insurance, it’s crucial you work with an agency that has in-depth knowledge and resources.
If you are approaching Medicare eligibility and are confused about your options, we can make the process easy. Reach out to us at My Healthcare Direct for more information about Medicare plans.