Medicare Part A, often referred to as "Hospital Insurance," covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. It helps pay for the costs associated with hospital stays and related care.

Medicare Part B, known as "Medical Insurance," covers medically necessary outpatient services such as doctor's visits, preventive care, lab tests, and durable medical equipment. Part B helps cover essential healthcare services outside of a hospital setting.

You should enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and extends for three months afterward. If you miss this initial enrollment window, you may face late enrollment penalties.

The late enrollment penalties can apply to Medicare Part B and Part D (prescription drug coverage). The Part B penalty increases your Part B premium by 10% for each full 12-month period you were eligible for Part B but didn't enroll. The Part D penalty is based on the number of months you were eligible for Part D but didn't enroll, and it's added to your Part D premium.

To choose the right Medicare Advantage plan, consider your healthcare needs, including the doctors you prefer and the prescription drugs you take. Here are some steps:

a. Review the plan's network to ensure your preferred healthcare providers are in-network.

b. Check the plan's formulary (list of covered drugs) to see if your medications are covered.

c. Compare costs, including premiums, deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.

d. Consider additional benefits like dental, vision, and fitness programs.e. Look at plan ratings and reviews to gauge overall satisfaction.f. Consult with a Medicare advisor or use online tools to compare plans based on your specific needs.

Call us or schedule a time for us to go over your specific options.