Medicare

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Depending on your medical needs, you might need different types and amounts of cost assistance, and Medicare allows you the flexibility to choose benefits that are personalized to what is best for you. Connect with a Wimmer Insurance Services, LLC agent to learn more about how Medicare could benefit your healthcare needs if qualified.  

Original Medicare

Medicare’s primary benefits consist of two types of coverage, which comprise Original Medicare:  

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)—This coverage pays for hospital services. It might pay for inpatient hospitalizations, surgeries, IV treatments and similar care.  
  
• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)—This coverage is for your everyday health care needs. Part B pays for regular checkups, lab services, X-rays, vaccinations and other outpatient costs.  
  
  

These benefits remain the same for all Medicare beneficiaries and are mainly supported by the federal government and payroll taxes.  

Additional Medicare Coverage Options 

Everyone’s health care needs are different, and private insurers offer enhanced, Medicare-approved benefits designed to fill gaps in coverage left by Original Medicare.   These include:  

• Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)—Advantage plans must offer all the benefits of Part A and Part B coverage (with limited exceptions). However, they take your coverage a step further by providing expanded benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental insurance and vision care. In most cases, you’ll need to use doctors in the plan’s network. 
  
• Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Benefits)—Original Medicare participants who do not have Medicare Advantage can buy Part D coverage to get their prescription drug insurance. Part D plans offer various drug formularies, premiums and pharmacy networks.  
  
• Medicare Supplementals (Medigap Plans)—Medicare supplements are private plans designed to cover outstanding costs not insured by Original Medicare, such as copayments, deductibles, coinsurance and the costs of out-of-network care.  
  
  

How Do Medicare Part A and Part B Work Together?

Medicare Part A can cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care and some home health care, while Part B can cover outpatient care, doctor visits and preventive services. Together, they provide healthcare coverage to help meet inpatient and outpatient needs.

When Is the Medicare Enrollment Period?

The Medicare enrollment period includes the initial enrollment period, which starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after your birthday month. Additionally, there's the general enrollment period from January 1 to March 31 each year and special enrollment periods for specific circumstances. Contact your agent for help determining the best time to enroll for your situation.

What Financial Assistance Programs Help With Medicare Costs?

Financial assistance programs for Medicare include Medicare Savings Programs, which help pay for premiums, deductibles and co-payments. Additionally, the Extra Help program assists with prescription drug costs, and Medicaid can provide further support for those whose income and resources qualify them for assistance.

Get Started with Medicare

Our agents at Wimmer Insurance Services, LLC is here to help you sort through the details of Medicare so you can best understand your coverage. If you’re looking to get started or have additional questions, reach out to an agent today.