What coverage do you need?

If you are 65 or older or have End-Stage Renal Disease, you automatically qualify for Original Medicare or Parts A and B. In general, these plans together cover:

• Short-term, inpatient care in a hospital, nursing facility, nursing home, hospice, and home health care
• Medically necessary services and supplies needed for treatment and illness prevention

If you are only interested in emergency care and illness treatment and prevention, you will likely only need coverage from Parts A and B. However, if you need coverage outside of these categories, you will be required to pay out-of-pocket. Many people, then, pursue a Medicare Advantage plan.

A Medicare Advantage Plan, or Part C, is provided by private insurers and offers other benefits not available with Medicare Original alone. This coverage may include:

• Routine dental care, including dentures and regular checkups
• Routine vision care, including glasses and regular checkups
• Routine hearing care, including hearing aids
• Routine foot care
• Nutrition programs
• Transportation to doctor visits
• Fitness memberships

This is not an exhaustive list. Most Advantage plans also cover prescription drug coverage, and you also have the option to pursue Medicare Part D. So, when choosing a plan, consider the specific care you need and what plan best accommodates it.