Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare, too, including those who have disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). The program helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.

Medicare is financed by a portion of the payroll taxes paid by workers and their employers. It also is financed in part by monthly premiums deducted from Social Security checks.
Medicare has four parts:

A. Hospital Insurance - helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health care and hospice care. Part A is premium-free for most people.

B. Medical Insurance - helps pay for doctors’ services and many other medical services and supplies that are not covered by hospital insurance. There is a premium cost for Part B. If you don’t sign up for Part B when you are first eligible, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

C. Medicare Advantage - allow private companies to offer health insurance plans to Medicare beneficiaries.  At a minimum, they must provide the same benefits that the Original medicare Plan providees unders Parts A and B.  Medicare Advantage  Plans may offer extra coverage, such as vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs.  Most include Medicar prescription drug coverage (Part D). These plans can charge different out-of-pocket costs and have different rules for how you get services (like whether you need a referral to see a specialist or if you have to go to only doctors, facilities, or suppliers that belong to the plan for non-emergency or non-urgent care). People with Medicare Parts A and B can choose to receive all of their health care services through one of these provider organizations under Part C.

D. Prescription Drug Coverage - helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for treatment through various private insurance companies. Like part B, most patients must pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered.

www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html#part3

What happens to my Medicare when I go to work?

Most persons with disabilities who work will continue to receive at least 93 consecutive months of Hospital Insurance (Part A); Supplemental Medical Insurance (Part B), if enrolled; and Prescription Drug coverage (Part D), if enrolled, after the 9-month Trial Work Period (TWP).  You do not pay a premium for Part A.  Although cash benefits may cease due to work, you have the assurance of continued health insurance. (93 months is 7 years and 9 months). The 93 months start the month after the last month of your Trial Work Period (TWP).

Follow this link to find out more about work and Medicare:
www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/extended.htm

More information on Medicare

• Call toll free 1-800-633-4227 (TTY users call 1-877-486-2048)
• Visit www.medicare.gov

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