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    About Medicare

    About Medicare

    Find information about the Medicare program. 

    Get to know Medicare

    Get to know Medicare

    Medicare is the federal government’s health care program. It's for people age 65 and older, and younger people with certain disabilities. Medicare also covers people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). There are different parts of Medicare that cover different things. We’re here to help you understand them.  

     

    You can apply for Medicare online at socialsecurity.gov or enroll at your Social Security office. 

     

    School Employees Retirement System of Ohio (SERS) recommends enrolling in Medicare as early as possible to avoid a delay in the start of your Medicare coverage, which could result in out-of-pocket expenses. 

    What are the parts of Medicare?

     

    Knowing the ABCs of Medicare can help you choose the right plan for you.  

     

    Parts A + B = Original Medicare.  

    Part A covers: 

    • Inpatient care in a hospital 

    • Inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility (not custodial or long-term care)  

    • Hospice care 

    • Home health care  

    Part B covers: 

    • Medically necessary doctors' services 

    • Outpatient care 

    • Home health services 

    • Durable medical equipment and other medical services  

    • Many preventive services

    Part C – Medicare Advantage

    Medicare Advantage plans typically offer more benefits than Original Medicare. They include Medicare Part A, Part B and may include Part D prescription drug coverage. In general, Medicare Advantage:  

     

    • Includes all Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) benefits and services 

    • Usually includes Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) as part of the plan 

    • Is run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies, including Aetna  

    • May include extra benefits and services not covered by Original Medicare

    Part D – Prescription drug plan

    Part D prescription drug coverage is available on its own or as part of many Medicare Advantage plans. Part D plans: 

     

    • Are often included in Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans 

    • Cover your medicines, but not medical expenses 

    • Can be purchased to add drug coverage to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap)