Understanding Medicare

Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. It is administered by the federal government. With Original Medicare, you can see healthcare providers throughout the U.S. who accept Medicare patients.

Part A and B do not include:

• Most outpatient prescription drugs
• Hearing aids and exams for fitting them
• Routine vision exams and eyeglasses
• Routine annual physical exams with lab tests
• Dental care and dentures
• Long-term care
• Travel outside the U.S. with limited exceptions
• Alternative care, including acupuncture and naturopathic services
• Medical transport services (not by ambulance)

With a private insurer, like Summit Health, you can have more. Private insurers offer Part C and Part D.

Part C, Medicare Advantage, is the private option for Part A and Part B. It covers extra benefits that Original Medicare does not. Some of these services may include vision, hearing, dental and other health and wellness programs.

Medicare Advantage plans limit your out-of-pocket costs for medical services.

They have an annual maximum. Once you reach that, you will not pay anything for covered medical services for the rest of the year. Some Medicare Advantage plans have specific coverage areas.

For Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage), there are two options for you:

• You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers prescription drug coverage
• You can join a stand-alone prescription drug plan from a private insurer

You must have part A and part B before enrolling in a Part C or D option.

What are the differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?

Learn more about the differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans in our "Understanding Medicare" brochure.

Key dates

Learn about the key dates to enroll in Medicare plans.