What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a government-sponsored health insurance program that helps cover medical expenses. It’s available to people who:

• Are 65 or older, or
• Are permanently disabled

Medicare is made up of several parts, each covering different services.

Medicare Part A – Hospital Coverage

Medicare Part A helps cover:

• Inpatient hospital stays
• Skilled nursing facility care
• Hospice care
• Lab tests and surgery
• Some home health services

Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A if they worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters.

Important: Long-term care is not covered by Medicare.

Medicare Part B – Medical Coverage

Medicare Part B covers:

• Doctor visits and physician services
• Outpatient hospital services
• Certain home health care
• Durable medical equipment

Part B does have a monthly premium.

• 2025 standard premium: $185 per month
  (Premiums are adjusted annually.)

Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage

Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare.

These plans:

• Are offered by private insurance companies
• Are regulated by the federal government
• Combine Parts A & B and often include Part D

Coverage can vary widely by plan, including:

• Provider networks
• Premiums
• Copays and coinsurance
• Maximum out-of-pocket costs

There’s no one-size-fits-all option — the “best” plan depends on your individual needs.

Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Part D helps cover prescription medications.

• Often included in Medicare Advantage plans
• Can also be purchased as a standalone plan

For 2025:

• Prescription drug costs are capped at $2,000 per year
• Plan coverage, formularies, and pharmacy networks still vary

Need Help Making Sense of It All?

Medicare.gov offers general information, but understanding how Medicare applies to your situation can be confusing.

That’s where Mike comes in.

Instead of calling a 1-800 number, you can talk directly with someone who:

• Knows your situation
• Explains your options clearly
• Helps you choose coverage that fits your needs — now and in the future