The 4 parts of Medicare

So here is a breakdown of the four parts of Medicare and what they provide. As a new caregiver, I had no idea that there were actually 4 parts of Medicare and that my grandfather could be enrolled in more than one part. Its important to understand what benefits you and you're care receiver are entitled to!

Medicare Part A: Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility after hospitalization, and hospice. Some part A benefits also cover home health care. Part A is free as long as you (or your spouse) paid into Medicare payroll taxes for at least 10 years.

Medicare Part B: Covers outpatient services such as routine doctors visits or specialists.

Medicare Part C: Also called Medicare Advantage in some states, provides health care coverage through private insurance companies. It covers the same things as parts A and B but may include additional benefits such as hearing, vision, dental and prescription drug benefits.

Medicare Part D: Covers prescription drugs.

What Medicare Doesn't Cover

Its important to understand what Medicare doesn't cover as well. It's crazy that Medicare does not cover long term care or custodial care, but it does not. These types of care are usually paid out of pocket.

• Custodial care (most nursing home care is custodial care and includes dressing, bathing, cooking etc.)

• Dental care

• Routine vision

• Hearing aids

• Long term care

• Most chiropractic services

• Routine foot care

• Skilled nursing if you haven’t been in the hospital first

Hopefully you found this helpful!