The following information will help Medicare consumers understand Medicare and make informed, cost-effective and timely decisions regarding their Medicare and Medicare prescription drug choices. For additional assistance, call your local HICAP program at 1-800-434-0222 and speak to a HICAP counselor.

From "Medicare Basics" – Medicare & You

• People age 65 (or imminent of turning 65)
• Person’s under age 65 with certain disabilities

• Part A covers inpatient stays in a acute care hospital, inpatient rehabilitation facilities skilled nursing facility care following a 3-day minimum hospital stay (not custodial or long-term care), hospice care services, medically necessary home health care services, and inpatient care in a Religious Nonmedical Health Care Institution

• Part B helps cover medically necessary services like doctors' services, outpatient care, and other medical services. Part B also covers some preventive services.
• You pay a Part B premium each month.

• During your Initial Enrollment period which is the 7-month period that begins 3 months before you turn 65 and up to 3 months after you turn 65
• General Enrollment: from January 1 through March 31 of each year
• Special Enrollment: you can enroll at anytime while you have group health coverage through your or your spouse’s employer or union, or during the 8 month period that begins the month your group health coverage ends.

• If you get benefits from SSI or RRB benefits, you automatically get Part A and Part B
• Most people do not pay a premium for Part A
• The standard Part B monthly premium for 2009 is $96.40. Person’s with individual income greater than $85,000 or couples with over $170,000 will pay higher Part B premiums
• Your monthly premium for Part B may increase by 10% if you don’t enroll when you are first eligible.

• Administered by the Federal Government
• Provides Part A and Part B coverage
• You can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to add coverage
• You can buy a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy (sold by private insurance companies) to help fill the gaps in Part A and Part B

• Operated by private companies approved by Medicare
• Provide Part A and Part B coverage but can charge different amounts for certain services. May offer extra coverage and prescription drug coverage for an extra cost. Costs for items vary by plan.
• In most cases, you must get drug coverage though your plan
• You will not need a Medigap policy

• Plans that aren't Medicare Advantage Plans, but are still part of Medicare
• Include Medicare Cost Plans, Demonstration/Pilot Programs, and Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
• Some plans provide Part A and Part B coverage; some also provide prescription drug coverage (Part D)

Note: You may also have health and/or prescription drug coverage from a current or former employer or union.