Orignial Medicare

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Welcome to Lakes Health Insurance, your trusted source for Medicare information and assistance. As a Medicare Insurance agent, I understand that navigating the world of Medicare can be complex and overwhelming. That's why I'm here to provide you with comprehensive information about Original Medicare and help you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

What is Original Medicare?

Original Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for people who are 65 or older, as well as some younger individuals with disabilities or specific health conditions. It consists of two parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance):

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people don't have to pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working for a sufficient period.

Part A coverage includes:

• Inpatient hospital care
• Skilled nursing facility care
• Hospice care
• Home health care

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance):

Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. There is a monthly premium for Part B, and the amount is based on your income.

Part B coverage includes:

• Doctor visits
• Outpatient care
• Preventive services (e.g., flu shots, cancer screenings)
• Durable medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers)
• Mental health services
• Ambulance services
• Some prescription drugs

What Original Medicare Doesn’t Cover

Here are some things not covered by Original Medicare:

• Prescription Drugs
• Routine dental care, most dental care or dentures
• Routine eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts
• Hearing aids or related exams or services
• Most care while traveling outside the United States
• Help with bathing, dressing, eating, etc. (custodial care)
• Comfort items such as a hospital phone, TV or private room
• Long-term care
• Cosmetic surgery
• Most chiropractic services
• Most acupuncture or other alternative treatments
• Routine foot care

Enrolling in Original Medicare:

If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll automatically be enrolled in both Part A and Part B when you turn 65. If you're not receiving Social Security benefits, you'll need to sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your birthday month.

Keep in mind that if you don’t get Medicare during this Initial Enrollment Period, you may have to pay Medicare Part B or Part D late enrollment penalties. Plus, you could be missing out on coverage and benefits that can help protect your health and finances. That’s why it’s generally a good idea to enroll as soon you can. How you enroll generally depends on if you’re getting benefits from Social Security, the Railroad Retirement Board or the Office of Personnel Management.

Costs Associated with Original Medicare:

While Original Medicare covers a wide range of healthcare services, it does not cover everything. You'll still be responsible for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Additionally, Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, or hearing aids.

To help cover these gaps in coverage, you may want to consider additional Medicare plans, such as:

• Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)
• Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
• Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)

At Lakes Health Insurance, I'm committed to helping you understand your Medicare options and find the coverage that best fits your healthcare needs and budget. Whether you're new to Medicare or looking to change agents, I'm here to provide personalized guidance and support throughout the process.

Contact me today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards securing your Medicare coverage. Let's work together to ensure you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're protected.