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.
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Click here to learn how to compare Medicare Supplement plans.