What services does Medicare cover?

Medicare provides a variety of services designed to ensure that beneficiaries have access to essential healthcare. There are different parts of Medicare, each covering specific services. Medicare Part A primarily covers hospital insurance. This includes inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services. It generally helps with expenses associated with hospitalizations and rehabilitation needs. Medicare Part B is known as medical insurance and covers outpatient care. This includes doctor's visits, outpatient hospital services, preventive services such as vaccinations and screenings, and some home health care that is not covered under Part A. Part B also provides coverage for durable medical equipment, which is essential for those with certain medical conditions. Medicare Part C, also referred to as Medicare Advantage, is a way to receive benefits through private insurance plans that are approved by Medicare. These plans often include all the benefits covered under Parts A and B and may offer additional services such as vision, dental, and hearing coverage. Lastly, Medicare Part D focuses on prescription drug coverage. This part helps beneficiaries pay for the medications prescribed by their doctors. There are various Part D plans available, with different costs and formularies, so individuals can choose one that best meets their needs. It is important for beneficiaries to review their options regularly, as plan coverage may vary and could change annually. For accurate and detailed information, beneficiaries are encouraged to visit the current Medicare website. This will help them stay informed about covered services and any potential changes.