Medicare Part A

 

Medicare Part A is the part of Medicare that covers in-patient hospital expenses. If you were to get sick and go in the hospital, you would be covered under Medicare Part A.

 

The coverage under this part is not 100%. In 2010, the deductible for each separate hospitaliztion incident is $1,100.

 

Go to Medicare Part A to learn more.

 

 

Medicare Part B

 

Medicare Part B is the part of Medicare that covers out-patient expenses, such as your visitst to the doctor.

 

The coverage under this part is not 100%. In 2010, the deductible for Part B is $135. In addition to your deductible, you will normally pay 80% of the Medicare approved amount that is charged for out-patient services.

 

Go to Medicare Part B to learn more.

 

 

 

Medicare Part C

 

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage was introduced as part of the Medicare Modernization Act of 1996. This part of Medicare reimburses private insurance companies that offer health insurance "instead of" or "in the place of" Original Medicare.

 

Part C is completely optional. You are not required to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan in order to obtain your Medicare benefits.

 

Go to Medicare Advantage to learn more.

 

 

Medicare Part D

 

Medicare Part D, was also introduced as part of the Medicare Modernization Act of 1996. This part of Medicare reimburses private insurance companies that offer Prescription Drug Plans.

 

Part D is optional, but there is a penalty if you "opt out" of Part D. For every month that you go without Part D, you will pay a 1% penalty, so it may be in your best interest to get a drug plan even if you don't take a lot of medicines.

 

Go toMedicare Part D to learn more.