Medicare's Part A, B, D and More
Your Medicare options are many. Basic coverage includes Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), which you get without paying premiums; Medicare Part B (doctor fees), for which you must pay $96.40 a month; and Medicare Part D (prescription drugs), which is available through private insurers at a wide range of costs and with widely varying lists of drugs that are covered. If you are on a medication, Step 1 is to make sure the plan you choose covers that medication. Medicare Advantage plans combine all three areas of coverage and typically function like an HMO. This means you may pay extra for out-of-network doctors. Premiums are typically higher too. Keep that in mind when choosing a plan. You can compare plans and costs at Medicare.gov.
See more questions about Medicare:
Introduction: What About Health Care?
When — and How — to Enroll in Medicare
How Medigap Policies Can Help
When to Buy Long-Term-Care Insurance