How Does Medicare Work?
Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare too, including those with disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure.
Typically, you must first have Part A and/or Part B of Original Medicare to enroll in additional coverage. To apply for Original Medicare Part A and/or Part B, you must enroll through the Social Security Department. Once you have applied, please contact us for personalized assistance to help you learn more and complete the process.
- Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or limited time at a skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay). Part A also pays for some home health care and hospice care.
- Medicare Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services.
The program helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. Most people age 65 or older are eligible for free Medical hospital insurance (Part A) if they or a spouse have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters or 10 years of their lifetime. You can enroll in Medicare medical insurance (Part B) potentially paying a monthly premium, based on your income from two years prior. Other parts of Medicare are run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare that provide additional coverage:
- Medicare Advantage Plan (previously known as Part C) includes all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B — prescription drugs (Part D) and additional ancillary benefits such as vision, hearing, dental and more — bundled together in one plan.
- Medicare Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage) helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.
- Supplemental (Medigap) policies help pay Medicare Part A & B out-of-pocket copayments, coinsurance, and deductible expenses.
When Can I Sign Up For Medicare?
Additional Resources:
Below are resources for more information about Medicare.
How Can We Help?
Contact us or request a free consultation below.
Medicare Disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in WA State. Currently we represent 7 organizations which offer 115 Advantage and Part D products in WA State. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1–800–MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.