Medicare 101: Understanding Parts A, B, C, and D

Access to medical care is essential as we age, making Medicare—and understanding it—your right and responsibility. The federal government provides Medicare as a health care insurance program for ages 65 and over. Medicare also serves as a benefit for people under age 65 who meet certain requirements. Choosing the Medicare plan that best addresses your healthcare need is often confusing and overwhelming. No matter which Medicare plan you choose, no one should settle for subpar care or for denied coverage, clearly included in your plan. If you are experiencing delays in receiving care or have experienced negligent care, contact a Kentucky personal injury lawyer without delay. 

Medicare Defined

While Medicare is closely associated as a service for older Americans, it also covers:

• Anyone under age 65 and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for a limited time
• People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
• Younger people with certain disabilities

The federal agency that oversees this program is the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMMS). Funding for Medicare comes from Social Security and Medicare taxes you pay on your income. Premiums that people with Medicare pay and the federal budget also contribute to Medicare funding.

Parts A, B, C, and D

Part of what makes Medicare so confusing is, in fact, all the different parts. There are four key parts to Medicare:

Part A—Medicare Part A pays for hospital stays and for stays in facilities like skilled nursing facilities.  It also helps in covering costs for hospice care and home health care.

Part B—Medicare Part B covers care that occurs outside of the hospital. This includes doctor appointments, outpatient procedures, and some preventative care like flu shots. 

Part C—Medicare Part C plans are called Medicare Advantage Plans and are only available through private insurance companies. Part C Advantage Plans limit what you pay out-of-pocket and some plans cover preventive dental, vision, and hearing care. While Medicare Advantage Plans often offer coverage beyond that offered under original Medicare, plans can have rules and restrictions. These restrictions often dictate when and where you receive your care. 

Part D—This part of Medicare covers prescription drugs. Plans are available only through private insurance companies.

Parts A and B comprise what is referred to as Original Medicare. Everyone with Medicare receives an official Medicare card. It is important to understand that Medicare differs from Medicaid, a program that helps those with limited incomes. Medicare eligibility does not depend upon income, however, some people are eligible for both services. 

About Saladino & Schaaf

You trust your medical coverage and providers with your life. The federal government offers Medicare as a benefit for older Americans and for those with special needs. You’ve worked hard to reach the point of eligibility and deserve the coverage and care afforded under the program. 

No one expects to enter the hospital feeling poorly, only to leave feeling worse due to negligent medical care. A wrong dosage of medication or a delay in treatment can only compound your existing health condition. 

The lawyers at Saladino & Schaaf have over 85 years of combined experience representing Kentuckians who have been injured due to others’ neglect. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured due to negligent care, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation, however, you must act quickly. There are time limits on legal actions. To schedule your free consultation, call (270) 444-0406 or contact us online today.