Medicare, A Simple Explanation
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 16, 2021
Social Security and Medicare are both programs that are household names, but do you know the true difference? Both programs help safeguard millions of Americans as well as improve the quality of life for their family and friends. While Social Security offers retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, Medicare provides health insurance.
Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older and younger people receiving Social Security disability benefits. The program helps with the cost of health care, but it doesn’t cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.
When you first enroll in Medicare and during certain times of the year, you can choose how you get your Medicare coverage. There are 2 main ways to get Medicare:
Original Medicare
Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). If you want drug coverage, you can join a separate Part D plan. To help pay your out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare (like your deductible and 20% coinsurance), you can also shop for and buy supplemental coverage. Examples include coverage from a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, or from a former employer or union.
Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C)
Medicare Advantage is an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. Part C plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare. They also may offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover — like vision, hearing, dental, and more.
If you can’t afford to pay your Medicare premiums and other medical costs, you may be able to get help from your state. States offer programs for people eligible for or entitled to Medicare who have low income. Some programs may pay for Medicare premiums and some pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. To qualify, you must have limited income and resources.
You can learn more about Medicare, including how to apply for Medicare and get a replacement Medicare card on our website.
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Tags: Medicare
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Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
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Gilda G.
Hi, some people say that even if I picked a medicare advantage plan, I still have to pay a monthly fee and that if I continue to work, after 65 and then retire later….that this fee goes up as I wait to retire later…even if I applied for medicare? Could you explain that?
L.A.
Hi Gilda. Thank you for your question. If you are still working and you are covered under a group health plan based on your employment, you may not need Medicare Part B, nor will you be penalized, until you stop working or your employer terminates your health care coverage. You should speak to your employer or to the health insurance plan to see what is best for you. You can read more about whether you need Medicare Part B on our internet page, and our publication titled “Medicare.” We hope this helps.
Karen L.
Do I have to go t a Social Security office to sign up for my Social Security Benefits. I turn 66 in January.
L.A.
Hi Karen. Good news! You do not have to go to the local Social Security office to apply for your retirement benefits. You may apply today for your benefits using our online retirement application. Also, you may want to visit our Retirement Planner: Plan for Your Retirement website for more information. We hope this helps.
Mason I.
Have someone contact me I have a payee Sandee Rogers, 2735 10th Street, Everett,WA 98201 425–349-6313,fax #(425)-252-0793 who is on as my payee but she may not be responsible for basically is scam or fraud of the State of Washington . I am the Head and Dictorate of the F.B.I. , SSN(*** – ** – ***) ,Passport # 500867019 please enter that number to pull up the preceding information.I would ask you to me me Federal Employer Identification Number(DCI and F.B.I.) and EIN(amtrack,NFL,JPMorgan,Bank of America) and contact me at cell#206-854-5368 home which my name is on the title and license ( Adult Family Home) 1021 Bell Street, Edmonds,WA 98020 but living as a patient home (425)-835-0562
The whole sum of it is that I cannot move successfully and survive without my FEIN and EIN and remain on Medicaid and my Medicare has been wiped out and I can’t access my real Medicare Card and confirmation I was ever on it .
I am the Leader and President of the Bergdorf Society and this has been a sickening cycle of people that refuse to reissue numbers, documents and do what they should honesty when the information is in the databases . I will have to indict people Federally and throw away the key … honesty …take this very seriously!
Marie S.
The only problem with Medicare supplement such as BCBS, is the large deductibles.
JON C.
i am helping stop some side lines
Beverly T.
Will Section 8 insurance or lend to a person only a trailer?
MARK E.
I WAS LAYED OF FROM A 22 YEAR JOB IN 2017 AND LOST MY WIFE AND MYSELFS GROUP MEDICAL COVERAGE. I NOW HAVE ONLY PART A AND AM A VETERAN . I AM 75 YEARS OLD AND AM ON SOCIAL SECUTITY BUT DONT KNOW HOW MUCH SINCE MY WIFE DIED. SSECURITY IS MY ONLY SOURCE OF INCOME. AM I ELIGABLE FOR PART B AND WILL THE PREMIUM FOR PART B BANKRUPT ME?
L.A.
Hi Mark. We are sorry for your loss. Please visit the TRICARE web page or contact your military health benefits advisor for more information. Also, please us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. or contact your local Social Security office. Lastly, you should also call the Medicare toll-free number, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). We hope this information helps.
InRae H.
Request Medical Health Insurance Card.
Name: InRae Hill
Sex: Female
Address: PSC 400 Box 6391
APO AP 96273
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