Skip to main content

Medicare Basics

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal government health insurance program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare is the largest health insurance service in the country, with around 45 million Americans participating. To be eligible you must be a citizen of the United States and meet certain requirements. If you are not a citizen of the United States, you can contact the Social Security Administration office to learn if you would be eligible.

Can you answer yes to at least one of the following statements?

  • Are you 65 years of age or older?
  • Are you under 65 and been on disability with the federal government for 24 months?
  • Are you in End-Stage Renal Disease (kidney failure that requires a transplant or dialysis)?

If so, then you could be eligible for Medicare benefits.

What does Medicare Cover?

Medicare is divided into several parts simply known as Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D.

Medicare Part A

 – $0 Monthly Premium for most individuals. Medicare Part A provides coverage for hospitalization. It also covers a skilled nursing facility, hospice and home healthcare if certain conditions are met. Let’s get together to review the details – click here to request a personalized review.

Medicare Part B

 – Monthly premium for most individuals (Unless you qualify for extra help through State/Federal programs). Medicare Part B provides coverage for medically necessary services such as physician services, surgical services, outpatient care, testing, durable medical equipment, and doctor’s services. Part B also helps cover some preventive services to help maintain your health and to keep certain illnesses from getting worse. Medicare Questions…Answered. For a trusted Advisor to contact you to answer your unique questions – Click Here.

Medicare Part C

Medicare Advantage plans are a minimal cost alternative to Medicare Supplements and are available with small to no monthly premiums. These are offered by private insurance companies and are Medicare approved. Medicare Advantage members are still included in Medicare and maintain the same rights and protections as Medicare. As a member taking part in a Medicare Advantage plan you will continue to receive regular Medicare covered services. Also, members may have access to extra services not covered by Medicare such as vision, hearing, dental and/or health and wellness programs. Prescription drug plans often are included in the Medicare Advantage plan while Supplemental policy holders must pay extra for the Part D prescription plan.

Medicare Part D

 – Parts A and B do not cover prescription drugs. In order to receive prescription drug coverage, you must enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Part D plans are offered by Medicare-approved private companies. Many Medicare Advantage plans cover both prescription drugs and medical care so long as you have both Part A and Part B. If you have traditional Medicare, you must enroll in a separate Part D in order to receive coverage. Get started for the knowledge, tools and experience a SMART Plan Advisor can share – Click Here.

Contact Us

NC: 704-765-2284
SC: 803-802-7862
M: 412-889-4867

Mailing Address:
6277-600 Carolina Commons Dr. #333
Indian Land, SC 29707

Smart-Plan-Tamela-Manns

This is a private website that is not associated, endorsed or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services or the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This site contains basic information about Medicare, services related to Medicare and services for people with Medicare.

Copyright © 2023 SMART Plan Advisors, LLC All Rights Reserved