Original Medicare: Parts A and B
Welcome to Understanding Medicare, a three-part video series from Priority Health. There’s a lot to learn about Medicare, but Priority Health is here to help. In this video, we’ll cover the basics of Original Medicare.
Overview:
Medicare is a federal program created in 1965 to give people access to health coverage regardless of medical history or income. It’s available to U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents of at least 5 years who are age 65 and over, and people with certain disabilities.
Original Medicare has two parts: Parts A and B. You can choose either or both.
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It helps cover costs for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, lab tests, surgery and home health care. Most people will pay no cost for Medicare Part A, but some may need to pay a monthly premium. It also requires people to pay a deductible and coinsurance when receiving covered services.
As a reminder, a premium is the amount you pay each month to keep your health insurance. A deductible is the amount you pay before your health plan covers any costs of health care services. And coinsurance is the percentage you pay for health care services once you’ve paid your deductible in full.
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is medical insurance. It helps cover costs for doctor and other health care provider services and outpatient care. It also covers durable medical equipment, home health care, and some preventive services. Part B has a monthly premium and a deductible, and you’ll usually pay 20% of the cost for each covered service once your deductible has been paid.
Enrollment periods and eligibility
Medicare eligibility begins at 65, so it’s a good idea to make coverage decisions before your 65th birthday. You have a 7-month enrollment period to sign up for Original Medicare. This period includes the three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and the three months after.
If you already receive Social Security benefits, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare and receive your red, white, and blue Medicare ID card three months before your 65th birthday. If you’re not already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll need to enroll in Part A—and Part B if you want it. Even if you’re still working when you turn 65, you should enroll.
Enrolling in Medicare
Three easy ways to enroll:
- Visit your local Social Security Administration office
- Call the Social Security Administration at the number provided, or
- Sign up online at ssa.gov
You can learn more about Medicare, including how to choose coverage that's right for you, here at PriorityMedicare.com. Thanks for watching!
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