For those of us who are seniors (over age 65), we are eligible for Part A which is at no cost to us.

Part A: the original plan that came about in the 1960’s when Medicare started.

Part B: You have to enroll and choose it which we all do for outpatient care. The cost to you is set by the federal government at a standard rate that is deducted monthly from your social security or you pay yourself. The Part B rate that you pay may vary because it is based on your federal income tax return.

Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans.

Part D: Prescriptions plans which we are all required to have.

All of the other “Parts” refer to supplemental plans that are supposed to fill in the “gaps” that Parts A and B do not cover. It’s totally up to you if you want to do that. All of these other parts vary in their coverage and cost.

What I did: I chose Traditional Medicare so I can go anywhere that Medicare is accepted in state or out of state. I have Parts A and B, Part D (a prescription plan that I chose) and Part G (with Transamerica to cover the gaps). I do not have a network of providers and do not need any preauthorizations under Traditional Medicare. I pay more out of pocket during the year for the Part G plan.

I know it is very confusing however if you go to the federal government’s Medicare website, all of this explained.

Example: My relative who is a resident of Santa Clara County in California has Medicare Part A and he chose to sign up for Part B which is required to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. He chose a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) (he had many, many choices given where he lives) with Aetna because he figured out that the doctors and practices that he sees are within the Aetna network. His prescriptions are covered by that plan as the Medicare Advantage plans do cover prescriptions as required. If he decides he doesn’t like Aetna for some reason he can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan during the open enrollment period.

Medicare Advantage Plans work very much like the insurance you are probably used to through your workplace.

With Medicare you choose whether you want Traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Please,, everyone, feel free to ask me if you have other questions about Medicare.