Note: It’s Time! Medicare Open Enrollment is the time of the year beneficiaries have to review plan options and ask questions about different plans. This period runs from October 15-December 7, 2012. The National Hispanic SMP (NHSMP) encourages you to consider reviewing your Medicare drug or health care plan, but it is not mandatory. For more information, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Medicare is broken down into four parts: Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D. Nobody needs all four plans to have a complete Medicare package. This post will describe the basics of Part A plans. Check back for other posts in this series about Part B, Part C and Part D.
What is Part A?
Part A is also known as “hospital insurance”.
What does Part A cover?
Part A covers most things needed for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, home health care and hospice care.
How much does Part A cost?
Most people receive Part A coverage premium-free but it can be purchased if the Medicare recipient hasn’t contributed a certain amount through Social Security payroll taxes. A deductible for hospital services will be paid for each benefit period. Daily co-payments for some services may apply for Part A coverage. More about Part A costs from Medicare.gov.
Use Medicare’s Check Enrollment tool to learn more about your current plan. To start the process you will need your:
- Zip code
- Medicare number
- last name
- effective month and year that Part A or B coverage began for you (this would be the month and year you turned 65 if you signed up on time.) Read this article to find out when your coverage started.
- date of birth
Remember that beneficiaries have until December 7 to make any changes to their Medicare health care or drug plan. While Medicare Open Enrollment is optional, it is helpful to compare your existing plans to others to ensure that you are getting the best coverage with most convenience at the best cost.
