This section covers the different parts of Medicare, Medicare managed care plans, medigap insurance, and Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Part A pays for most of the cost of hospitalization and other in-patient stays for Americans who are over 65 or disabled (if they are insured for Social Security/Medicare). Medicare Part B, which charges a premium, pays for doctor's visits and othermedical care. Medicare Part D is a prescritpion drug program that helps seniors with the cost of precribed medications. Medigap insurance, regulated by the federal government, helps fill in the gaps that aren't covered by Medicare. These parts of Medicare are called traditional Medicare, and each program charges copays and deductibles for services. Medicare managed care plans are Medicare Part C, an alternative to traditional Medicare.
Medicare Premiums, Deductibles, and Copays in 2024
Most premiums and deductibles for traditional Medicare will go up slightly in 2024, but people enrolled in Medicare Advantages plans won’t see any increases.
Signing Up for Medicare: Enrollment Periods and Coverage Start Dates
If you’re new to Medicare, learn when you can enroll Part A, B, C, and D and when your coverage will start.
Medicare Savings Programs Help Pay Medicare Costs for Qualified Low-Income Individuals
The QMB, SLMB, and QI programs help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. Learn how to qualify.
Eligibility for Medicare: Can I Qualify Before I'm 65?
Anyone over 65 can get Part B, Medical Insurance (mainly for doctors’ visits), simply by paying a premium, but Part A is a different story.
How a Hospital Stay on Observation Status Hurts Medicare Recipients
“Held for observation” is not the same as “admitted.” Find out how a hospital stay on observation can hurt you.
What to Expect at an ALJ Hearing at the Office of Medicare Hearings & Appeals
You must request an in-person hearing in writing and you must submit an explanation as to why the hearing needs to be in-person.
Medicare Coverage of Home Health Care
Progressive health care professionals often encourage people to get out of hospitals and nursing facilities and into their own or family members’ homes while recovering from injury or illness.
How to Appeal Your Medicare or Advantage Plan Denial
If you are denied Medicare coverage or payment for a hospital stay or doctor's visit, here's how to appeal.
Part B Medicare Insurance: What You Pay
Medicare Part B is medical insurance that is intended to help pay doctor bills for treatment either in or out of the hospital, as well as many of the other medical expenses you incur when you ar
Medicare Advantage Managed Care Plans: An Alternative to Medigap Insurance
Medicare managed care plans fill gaps in basic Medicare, as do Medigap policies, but they are almost always cheaper.