Medicare refers to a government health insurance service for senior citizens that pays for medical treatment regardless of their income level. Some people get Medicare automatically, while others have to sign up and enroll actively. Enrollment with Medicare requires critical decision-making that can affect healthcare coverage and out-of-pocket costs for the entire year. What you pay for will be based on the coverage and services you will get. 

Parts of Medicare: 

• Part A: Hospital insurance: This covers inpatient care in hospitals, home health care, skilled nursing facility care and hospice care. 
• Part B: Medical insurance: It covers home health care, outpatient care, durable medical equipment ( like wheelchairs and walkers, etc.), services from doctors and other healthcare providers, and preventive services (like screenings, vaccines).
• Part C: Medical advantage: It is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare. This plan includes Part A, B, and D. 
• Part D: Drug coverage: It helps in covering the cost of most of the prescribed drugs. You can join a drug plan in addition to Original Medicare. 
• Medicare supplemental insurance: This refers to the insurance that you can buy from Insure Horizons to help pay your share of the cost of Medicare. For this, standardized policies are there. It can also be named as Plan G or Plan K. 

Mistakes to be avoided during annual enrollment

• Not reviewing the current plan: Plans often change. Even premiums change, they rise, or drug coverage can shift. You should review to avoid paying more or losing access to your preferred doctor.  
• Missing the deadline: If you miss the deadline, you may get stuck with your current plan for another year. You can book review appointments and avoid missing the deadline. 
• Ignoring drug coverage prescription: It can result in hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. You can review your medications with an agent of Insurance Horizons to avoid this. 
• Trying to do it alone: The rules and documents are complex. You need to sit with a licensed Medicare agent who understands all the options and can help simplify the process. 
• Choosing based entirely on premium: By looking at the lowest monthly premium, people assume that it will be the best deal for them, but having a low premium can sometimes mean more deductibles and fewer benefits. 

Medicare vs Medicaid

Both of these are sponsored by the government. These are the health insurance programs that have different eligibility requirements. The individuals who qualify for both programs are called “Dual eligibles.” While Medicare is meant for individuals who are 65 years of age or older, Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income adults and children as well.  

Conclusion

Original Medicare includes Plan A and Plan B. You can join a separate drug plan to get drug coverage. Medicare card numbers need to be protected, as it’s important for reporting fraud and abuse. A few things not covered in Medicare are: Dental care, medical care overseas, eyeglasses and eye exams, massage therapy, and cosmetic surgery. You must carefully check all the premium plans before enrolling to ensure no mistakes to avail the maximum benefits of the program.