^{READ TIME: 3 MIN}

The A, B, C, & D of Medicare. Breaking down the basics.

Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in your future health care decisions.

READ TIME: 3 MIN

Breaking Down the Parts of Medicare.

Generally, the different parts of Medicare help cover specific services. Most beneficiaries choose to receive their Parts A and B benefits through Original Medicare, the traditional fee-for-service program offered directly through the federal government. It is sometimes called Traditional Medicare or Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medicare. Under Original Medicare, the government pays directly for the health care services you receive. You can see any doctor and hospital that takes Medicare (and most do) anywhere in the country.

READ TIME: 3 MIN

Coordinating Retiree Insurance and Medicare.

Retiree insurance is almost always secondary to Medicare, meaning it pays after Medicare and may provide coverage for Medicare cost-sharing, like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Deciding whether to keep retiree coverage after you enroll in Medicare is a personal one that depends on your costs and anticipated health care needs. Retiree coverage premiums can be costly, but it may be worthwhile to keep your plan if you anticipate high Medicare costs. Retiree coverage may also pay for care or other items and services that Medicare does not cover, such as vision care, dental care, and/or off-formulary or over-the-counter prescription drugs.

For more information on the services covered by your retiree insurance plan, contact your benefits administrator or your employer’s human resources department.

READ TIME: 4 MIN

What is Medigap?

Medigaps are health insurance policies that offer standardized benefits to work with Original Medicare (not with Medicare Advantage). They are sold by private insurance companies. If you have a Medigap, it pays part or all of certain remaining costs after Original Medicare pays first. Medigaps may cover outstanding deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medigaps may also cover health care costs that Medicare does not cover at all, like care received when travelling abroad. Remember, Medigaps only work with Original Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you cannot buy a Medigap.

READ TIME: 5 MIN

Medicare FAQ

What are the most frequently asked questions in the Medicare World?

READ TIME: 3 MIN

Medicare Coverage for Expats

If you have moved outside the United States permanently, you should decide whether to keep Medicare Parts A and B. Remember, you can have Medicare while you live abroad, but it will usually not cover the care you receive.