
G: Medicare
G-1, Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:
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People who are 65 or older
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Certain younger people with disabilities
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People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)
Learn more: https://www.medicare.gov/
G-2, Medicare
Dual Eligibility
People who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, also known as dually eligible individuals, fall into several eligibility categories. These individuals may either be enrolled first in Medicare and then qualify for Medicaid, or vice versa.
G-3, Medicare
Understanding the Parts of Medicare
Part A
Covers hospitals, hospice, and skilled nursing care; no charge to Medicare beneficiaries for premium, but deductibles and co-insurance apply.
Part B
Covers doctors’ services, outpatient care, and preventive services; income-based premiums apply, along with an annual deductible and 20% co-insurance.
Part C
Also known as Medicare Advantage. Coverage is the same as Part B, and may also include dental, vision, fitness, and meals. It is provided by private insurance carriers and requires payment of Medicare Part B premium; some plans have additional premium costs. These plans are subject to restricted networks, pre-authorization requirements, and referrals for specialist care. Usually covers medications.
Part D
This is for medications only; it is administered by a private company. Subject to donut hole. Costs vary according to the plan.
G-4, Medicare
Donut Hole
The coverage gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). This means that after you and your drug plan have spent a certain amount of money for covered drugs, you have to pay all costs out-of-pocket for your prescriptions up to a yearly limit, after which your coverage resumes.
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G-5, Medicare
Medigap Policy
Health insurance sold by private insurance companies to fill the “gaps” in Traditional Medicare Plan coverage. Medigap policies help pay some of the health care costs that the Traditional Medicare Plan does not cover.
Eligibility requirements are the same as for Medicare A. Medigap covers doctors’ services and hospitalization. Medigap providers are any providers that accept Medicare.
These and associated educational materials have been developed using our available resources. They are not intended to serve as advice or recommendations on selecting a specific type of coverage or plan. Any errors or omissions are unintentional.
These materials were supported by funds made available by the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s Office of Health Equity from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, under RFA-OT21-2103.
The contents of these materials are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of or endorsement by the Kentucky Department for Public Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.