What is the difference between Part A and Part B of Medicare?
In order to help your clients choose the best healthcare coverage for their needs, you need to understand the coverage they already have: Medicare. There are four parts to Medicare. Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B are provided by Medicare. Those two parts make up the original federal health program. Part A and B are referred to as Original Medicare. Remember, Medicare is a US government entity. Part C and Part D are purchased from private insurance carriers.
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. As hospital insurance, Part A generally covers the following.
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Inpatient hospital stays
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Prescription drugs administered in the hospital
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Skilled nursing facility stays
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Mental health inpatient stays
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Hospice care
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Limited or temporary home health care
Medicare Part B is medical insurance. As medical insurance, Part B generally covers the following.
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Annual wellness exams
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Doctor and specialist visits
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Preventative services (flu shots, etc.)
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Bone mass measurements
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Tests and screenings for certain diseases
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CPAP machines for sleep apnea
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Certain diabetes equipment and supplies
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Limited home health visits
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Durable medical equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, etc.)
This is not a complete list of the medical services covered by Medicare Part B. However, it is a starting point to help your clients understand where their gaps in coverage are and how to choose supplemental insurance to address those gaps.
Click here to learn how to compare Medicare Advantage plans.
Click here to learn how to compare Medicare Supplement plans.
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