It is the  federal insurance plan for :

• People who are 65 or older

• Certain younger people with disabilities

• People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)

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The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services:

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Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care

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Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)  

Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

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Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)

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Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) is an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.

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What's not covered by Part A & Part B?

Medicare doesn't cover everything. If you need certain services Medicare doesn't cover, you'll have to pay for them yourself unless:

• You have other insurance that covers them

• You have a Medicare health plan that covers them

Even if Medicare covers a service or item, you generally have to pay your  deductible, coinsurance, and co-payment. 

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Some of the items and services that Medicare doesn't cover include:

• Long-term care

   (also called custodial care)

• Most dental care

• Eye exams related to prescribing glasses

• Dentures

• Cosmetic surgery  

• Acupuncture  

• Hearing aids and exams for fitting them

• Routine foot care

 

Click HERE to see if Medicare covers a service you need.

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Resources:

Contact Medicare-Phone-1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

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Local assistance -State Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) 

This program provides free health insurance information, education, counseling, and referral for people with Medicare. Volunteers are trained and certified to assist members and their families with questions about Medicare benefits including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D – the prescription drug benefit, Medigap, and Medicare Savings Program. For assistance, please contact Hawaii SHIP at 808-586-7299 on Oahu and toll-free at 1-888-875-9229 or 1-866-810-4379 (TTY).

 

 

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