Medicare – Senior Benefits

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, under 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) — permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

How Do I Decide Which Parts I Need?

Comprised of Parts A, B, C, and D, Medicare can seem like an alphabet soup of confusion — but it doesn't need to be that way. Our insurance professionals are experts in demystifying the federal health insurance program and matching its products to our clients' needs. We'll educate you, so you're both protected and confident with your Medicare selection.

What Does Each Medicare Part Cover?

The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services if you meet certain conditions. In brief:

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover inpatient care.
• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover doctor services and outpatient care. Part B generally pays 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services.
• Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) provides a way to get Medicare benefits through private companies approved by and under contract with Medicare. Advantage plans include Part A and Part B, and usually other benefits Original Medicare doesn't cover — most also provide prescription drug coverage.
• Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) is operated by private companies approved by Medicare. This coverage may come as part of a Medicare Advantage Plan or as a separate Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement and Medigap plans are labeled Plans A through N, including two high-deductible options. Supplemental plans do not include Part D prescription coverage, which is purchased separately, but they allow you to visit any Medicare-approved doctors, specialists, and hospitals — no network restrictions and no referrals required.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) often offer low premiums, low copays, and a cap on out-of-pocket expenses, along with benefits not included in Medicare Supplemental plans — such as gym memberships, dental, vision, and hearing benefits. There are various Medicare Advantage plan types available in New York, including HMOs (in-network benefits only) and PPOs (in- and out-of-network benefits).