Understanding Medicare
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. Some people automatically begin receiving Medicare, while others have to actively sign up.
At The Piety Group Medicare Advisors, we know that understanding the complexities of Medicare can be confusing. Let our team help guide you through the process!
Medicare Part A
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✔ Inpatient Hospital Stays – Covers semi-private rooms, meals, nursing care, and necessary hospital services.
✔ Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Care – Covers short-term rehab stays after a hospital stay(not long-term care).
✔ Hospice Care – Covers end-of-life care, including pain relief and support for terminally ill patients.
✔ Home Health Care – Covers limited home health services if medically necessary.
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How Much Does It Cost?
✔ Most people get Part A for free if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
✔ If you don’t qualify for free Part A, you can pay a monthly premium (which varies based on your work history).
✔ There are deductibles and coinsurance costs for hospital stays and other services.
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You’re automatically enrolled if you’re already receiving Social Security benefits. Otherwise, you should sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7-month window around your 65th birthday).
Medicare Part B- Medical Insurance
Medicare Part B helps cover outpatient medical services, doctor visits, and preventive care to keep you healthy.
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✔ Doctor Visits – Primary care and specialists
✔ Preventive Services – Screenings, flu shots, and wellness visits
✔ Outpatient Care – ER visits, X-rays, and lab tests
✔ Medical Equipment – Wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen
✔ Mental Health Services – Therapy and counseling
✔ Some Home Health Care – If medically necessary
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✔ Monthly Premium – Most people pay a standard premium (which can vary based on income).
✔ Annual Deductible – You pay a small deductible before Medicare starts covering costs.
✔ Coinsurance – Typically, you pay 20% of approved services after meeting the deductible.
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✔If you’re already receiving Social Security at 65, you’re automatically enrolled.
✔If not, you must sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (a 7-month window around your 65th birthday) to avoid late penalties.
Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A & B). These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and often include additional benefits.
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✔ Everything Original Medicare Covers (Part A & Part B)
✔ Prescription Drug Coverage (Most Plans Include It)
✔ Vision, Dental & Hearing Benefits (Not covered under Original Medicare)
✔ Wellness Programs & Fitness Benefits (Like gym memberships)
✔ Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs (Compared to Original Medicare in some cases)
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✔ You must continue paying your Medicare Part B premium.
✔ Many plans have low or $0 monthly premiums, but costs vary by plan.
✔ Copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits depend on the plan.
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✔ You must first be enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B.
✔ You can choose a plan during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) (Oct 15 – Dec 7).
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If you want extra benefits and potentially lower costs, Part C could be a great option.
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