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Your retirement years are supposed to be a chance to unwind, relax, and enjoy the things you love. From exploring your passions to connecting with family, this is time that’s dedicated to you. However, many people find themselves intimidated with the idea of retirement. It means a whole new era of your life is starting, and with that comes Medicare.

Medicare is a federally-funded healthcare program that’s specifically for seniors 65 and older. Understanding Medicare can feel like a challenge if you’re not experienced with it, and this leaves many retirees stressed before their golden years. In this guide, we’re preparing you for a stress-free retirement. Here are the best Medicare plans explained.

Medicare Parts A, B, and D

First, let’s cover what’s known as “traditional” Medicare, or Medicare Parts A, B, and D. Are you wondering what happened to Medicare Part C? Don’t worry, we’ll touch on that later. Understanding Parts A, B, and D can feel overwhelming.

It’s important to realize that Medicare is different from healthcare you might have had through your employer or a private insurance provider. Your Coverage is broken into multiple parts, and you’ll have the option to choose a plan for each type at an affordable cost through the Healthcare Marketplace.

Medicare Parts Explained

• Part A – Part A is your hospital coverage. This covers everything from hospital stays to home health care. In essence, it’s your long-term care support.
• Part B – Part B is similar to any insurance you might have had from an employer-sponsored plan. This is your general medical coverage for things like office visits, outpatient services, testing, and other care.
• Part D – Finally, Part D is prescription drug coverage. This is only offered through private health plans.

You apply for Medicare when you turn 65. You can start enrolling during your enrollment period which begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after. When you enroll, you’ll choose the plan that’s right for your needs.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Now, let’s talk about Medicare Part C. Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage. These are plans offered through private health insurance companies, not the government. You’re still considered to be a Medicare recipient when you’re enrolled in Medicare Part C.

Because these plans are approved under the Medicare program, they still need to provide the same coverage. You won’t miss out on any benefits by choosing Medicare Part C, but you might have more add-on coverage or flexibility. For instance, many Medicare Advantage plans include things like vision and dental insurance, and they might have more healthcare providers offered. Visit this page to learn more about Medicare Advantage.

Preparing for Your Health in Retirement

While your retirement is a chance to finally relax after a lifetime of work, you still have some steps to take before it’s smooth sailing. Learning how to make the most of Medicare doesn’t have to be confusing, but it is a big step. Now that you understand the differences between Medicare Parts A through D, it’s time to make the right decision for you.

With 44 million beneficiaries, Medicare has helped so many retirees get access to affordable coverage. Ask yourself what type of healthcare you can expect to need as you age. Do you value low-cost care or flexible benefits? What prescriptions do you need included in your coverage? These are all key questions to ask, and feel free to bring them up to your doctor.

It’s time to make an informed decision about your own health. While there’s no way to predict the future, you can act today to make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. Are you ready for what’s next?

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