Your Medicare Resource Center

Medicare is a government-run medical insurance program for United States citizens (plus permanent residents with more than 5 years continuous residency) who are age 65 and older or people at any age with disabilities.

Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C) coverage is administered by private insurance companies contracted with Medicare. Medicare Part C covers everything that Original Medicare (parts A and B) covers and may cover extra benefits as well such as prescription drugs, dental, vision and hearing care.

Medicare Part D refers to optional prescription drug coverage. This is not covered by Original Medicare or Medicare Supplement plans, but is often covered by Medicare Advantage policies. You can also purchase separate Plan D coverage.

Medicare Supplement plans cover out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare parts A & B. This includes the 20% that Medicare does not pay plus coinsurance and co-payments. It does not cover prescription drug expenses or any other costs not covered under Medicare parts A & B.

Medicare assignment means: The provider submits your insurance claim directly to Medicare, the provider can’t charge you for submitting the claim, and the provider has agreed to accept what Medicare pays for your claim.