FAQ

Original Medicare includes Parts A and B. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing, and a portion of hospice care. Part B covers physician and outpatient care. Both Part A and B are required to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Supplement.

Part A will be no cost for someone turning 65 who has paid Medicare taxes for 40 quarters. Part B premium is $185 monthly in 2025.

You pay $257 per year in 2025 for your Part B deductible. After your deductible is met, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved charges. Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible is $1,676 for each stay. This deductible covers you for the first 60 days. After 60 days, inpatient hospital costs $419 days 61-90. Days 91 and beyond: $838 coinsurance per each "lifetime reserve day" after day 90 for each benefit period (up to 60 days over your lifetime).

Medicare Part D is what pays prescription drugs. Usually drugs will be broken down into tears based on cost, generic, or brand. Part A OR part B is required to enroll in Part D. You do not have to have both to enroll in prescription Part D

Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and they pay a fixed fee for your care at doctors and hospitals in the plan’s approved network. Many times Part D is included in a Medicare Advantage plan, and additional benefits such as dental, vision and even health club memberships may be included. Premiums tend to be much lower than a Medicare Supplement plan.

In general, you can pick one of two options for Medicare coverage when you are turning 65, or if you currently have original Medicare (Part A+Part B)

1. Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part C (combines all parts of Medicare into one)

2. Medicare Supplement with a stand alone Medicare part D plan (prescription coverage)

See flow chart attached.