![[spinner]](/javascripts/ext2/resources/images/default/grid/wait.gif)
![[spacer]](/images/spacer.gif)
What are the basics about Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program. It’s available to people 65 and older, people under 65 with certain disabilities and people with end-stage renal disease.
Different parts of Medicare cover different services. The parts of Medicare are:
Part A—hospital coverage
When it comes to coverage, you have options:
back to 'Ohana Medicare home page
Different parts of Medicare cover different services. The parts of Medicare are:
Part A—hospital coverage
- Helps cover inpatient hospital care.
- Helps cover care in a skilled nursing facility or hospice. It also helps cover home health care.
Part B—medical coverage
- Helps cover doctor and outpatient services.
- May cover preventive services to maintain health or keep illnesses from getting worse.
- In many cases, those who choose Part B coverage pay a monthly premium.
Part C—Medicare Advantage Plans
- As an alternative to the Original Medicare insurance program and administered by the federal government, Part C gives you the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage health plan offered by private companies such as 'Ohana.
- Private companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans are approved by Medicare to provide and administer benefits for their members.
- Part C plans cover the same services as Part A and Part B and, in some cases, Prescription Drug coverage (Part D) is included as well.
Part D—prescription drug coverage
- Helps cover cost of prescription drugs.
- Offered by private companies like 'Ohana and sometimes requires a monthly premium.
When it comes to coverage, you have options:
- You can get your health services through Original Medicare, with the federal government as your insurer.
- You can get health services through the government and select a private Prescription Drug Plan.
- You can get both your health services and prescription drug coverage through a private plan that offers both (also called an “MAPD” or Medicare Advantage Part D plan).
- Purchase supplemental plans from private insurance companies to cover the gaps in your Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan.
back to 'Ohana Medicare home page
Last modified: 11/15/2009
