Medicare Basics to Ease into Summer

I admit I’m envious of children and teachers right about now. Summer vacation! Sleeping late, time at the beach, a stack of novels and so much laughter. I hope you’re all taking time to step back. I will attempt to do the same.

Since we’re keeping it light, let’s spend time with the basics of Medicare. Most people can tell you what they cover, but they can’t tell you what they don’t. Let’s see how you do.

Medicare Part A: Inpatient facility care

Part A covers hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and hospice care. The Gotcha? Part A doesn't cover long term or custodial care. Don't let yourself be caught in the trap!

Medicare Part B: Providers & Outpatient

Part B covers medical providers, office visits, outpatient procedures, labs, imaging and other care outside of hospitals. The gotcha? Depending on what you earn, you may wind up paying an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) on top of your monthly premium.

Medicare “Part C”: Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans are sometimes referred to as Part C. By law these plans cover everything Part A and Part B cover and usually also cover Part D, prescription drugs. The gotcha? The plans have rules to determine when and how you access care. Can you navigate them?

Medicare Part D: Prescription Drugs

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs you take at home yourself. In 2026 you'll never pay more than $2,100 dollars for these prescriptions during the year. The gotcha? Prescriptions are still expensive. Do you know how to save?

I’ve spent years working around the rules and limitations of the Medicare program. Need help? Give me a call.