Getting Ready for Medicare - Choosing the right plan

What will work best for you?

Getting Ready for Medicare: Choosing the Right Plan

What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals 65+ or younger people with certain medical conditions. Enrollment begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after.

The Four Parts of Medicare

✔ Part A (Hospital Insurance) – Covers inpatient care, short-term nursing, and hospice. Most people don’t pay a premium.
✔ Part B (Medical Insurance) – Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical equipment. Monthly premium: $174.70 (2023). Covers 80% of costs; a Medigap plan can help cover the remaining 20%.
✔ Part C (Medicare Advantage) – Alternative to Original Medicare, often including vision, dental, hearing, and drug coverage. Some plans offer $0 premiums.
✔ Part D (Prescription Drugs) – Private plans covering medications. A Part D plan is required to avoid lifelong penalties.

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Original Medicare
➜ No limit on out-of-pocket costs (Medigap can help).
➜ Covers 80% of medical expenses, leaving you responsible for 20%.
➜ Requires a separate Part D plan for prescriptions.

Medicare Advantage
➜ Caps out-of-pocket expenses annually.
➜ Often includes extra benefits (vision, dental, hearing, drugs).
➜ Lower premiums but may require network restrictions & referrals.

Need help choosing the right plan?
📞 Call 415-524-8959 | 760-696-3573
📧 Email pamm@benefitsbydesignca.com

Benefits by Design Insurance Services – Your expert guide to Medicare, health, dental, vision, life, and travel insurance.