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Author: Home Helpers Home Care

Navigating Medicare Basics can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into simple terms makes it easier to understand. Medicare for Seniors offers important healthcare coverage. Understanding the coverage under Medicare Part A and Part B helps seniors make informed decisions about their care.

If you are enrolling for the first time, understanding Medicare Plans and Medicare coverage is important. Reviewing your options ensures you pick the best healthcare plan for your needs.

🎥 This is Part 1 of a 7-part Medicare series on Home Helpers Water Cooler Chat, featuring Scott Black, Medicare Specialist and owner of Florida Health Resources. In this series, Scott explains Medicare in simple terms so you can make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

📌 Need Medicare guidance? Contact Scott Black for personalized help!

📞 Call or Text: (941) 302-0314

📧 Email: sdblack@verizon.net

🏢 Company: Florida Health Resources

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, though it also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities. Medicare has several plans, but its foundation is Original Medicare Parts. This includes Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.

Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance

Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and limited home healthcare services. Most beneficiaries get Medicare Part A without a premium if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.

What does Medicare Part A cover?

• Hospital stays (semi-private room, meals, nursing care)
• Skilled nursing facility care (short-term rehabilitation)
• Hospice care for terminal illnesses
• Limited home healthcare services

How much does Medicare Part A cost?

• If you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, Part A is premium-free.
•  If you haven't worked enough quarters, you may need to pay a monthly premium

 

Medicare Part B: Medical Insurance

Medicare Part B covers outpatient services, doctor visits, preventive care, and durable medical equipment. Unlike Part A, all beneficiaries pay a monthly premium for Part B.

What does Medicare Part B cover?

As a Medicare beneficiary, you are eligible for services under Medicare Part B, including:

• Doctor visits and outpatient medical services ((lab tests, X-rays, etc.)
• Preventive care (flu shots, screenings, annual wellness visits)
• Durable medical equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen)
• Ambulance services (emergency transportation)

How much does Medicare Part B cost?

• In 2025, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185 per month.
• Beneficiaries are responsible for 20% coinsurance on most services. This means they may need to pay out of pocket for some medical costs, while Medicare covers the remaining 80%.

💡 Tip: Many people purchase additional coverage, like a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage Plan, to help with out-of-pocket costs!

What Medicare Does NOT Cover

While Original Medicare provides comprehensive coverage, some essential services are not covered under Medicare Part A and Part B.

• Does Medicare cover dental and vision? No, Original Medicare does not cover routine dental exams, dentures, vision care, or hearing aids. You may need a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan to obtain additional coverage.
• Prescription Drugs – Original Medicare does not include coverage for most outpatient prescription medications. If you need drug coverage, you must sign up for a Medicare Part D plan.
• Long-term care (Assisted living or nursing home stays) is not included.

Original Medicare does not cover everything. To get additional coverage, you can choose Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Part D, or Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans.

How to Enroll in Medicare

Medicare Enrollment Periods

Medicare for Seniors has a time-sensitive enrollment process. Knowing when to sign up can prevent late penalties and ensure you get the coverage you need. Here are the key enrollment periods:

• If you're receiving Social Security benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
• If you are not receiving Social Security benefits, you must sign up for Medicare manually. You can do this at Medicare.gov or through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
• You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):
  • 3 months before your 65th birthday
  • The month of your birthday
  • 3 months after your birthday month

🚨 Miss the deadline? You could face late enrollment penalties that increase your premiums for life!

Final Thoughts: Do You Need More Than Original Medicare?

📌 Medicare Part A and Part B offer a strong foundation for healthcare coverage. However, they do not cover every medical expense, requiring additional plans for full protection. Most people enroll in:

✅ A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan – helps cover out-of-pocket costs.

✅ A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan – combines hospital, doctor, and often prescription drug coverage.

✅ A Part D Prescription Drug Plan – provides coverage for outpatient prescription medications.

Making the Right Medicare Choice

Understanding Medicare Basics is the first step in making an informed decision about your healthcare coverage. Medicare Part A and Part B cover important healthcare services. However, depending on your needs, you may need extra coverage from a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan.

Do you have questions about Medicare for Seniors, enrollment, or additional benefits? A licensed Medicare Broker can guide you through your options. The right Medicare Plan ensures that you receive the best healthcare coverage tailored to your needs.

Learning and understanding about Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and supplemental options is important. It ensures you receive the healthcare you need while protecting your finances.

🎥 Want to Learn More About Medicare?

Navigating Medicare can be challenging, but reliable resources and expert guidance are available to assist you. Stay tuned for the next part of our Medicare series, where Scott explains how a Medicare broker can help you enroll and choose the best plan. Check back soon for the next video!

 📞 Need Personalized Help?

Choosing the right Medicare plan can be challenging. For expert advice that fits your specific needs, reach out to Scott Black at Florida Health Resources.

HOME HELPERS OF BRADENTON

Home Helpers of Bradenton is one of the region's leading home care franchises specializing in comprehensive services for seniors. Home Helpers' sole mission is to make life easier for clients and their families. Based in Bradenton, Florida, the company serves all of Manatee County, including the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Palmetto, and Parrish. For more information or to request a free in-home care assessment, contact our office at (941) 499-5946 or visit our website at www.homehelpershomecare.com/bradenton