Turning 65? Kudos. It’s time to make some decisions.

Have questions? Here are some answers about the most commonly asked Medicare questions:

• What is Medicare?

  • Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 and older, and people with certain disabilities.

• What does Medicare include?
  • Medicare is broken into four parts: A,B,C, and D.

    • Part A (Hospital insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home healthcare. It does not cover regular doctor visits or prescription drugs.
    • Part B (Medical insurance) covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

    Part A and Part B (together) are referred to as Original Medicare. They provide coverage both in and out of the hospital, but they don’t cover everything. That’s where we come in! 

    • Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. Some plans only cover Part A and Part B, and sometimes Part D, which may or may not include extra benefits such as dental care, etc. With Oscar Medicare Advantage, you’ll get Part D prescription coverage, as well as dental, vision, and hearing benefits.

    • Part D (Prescription coverage) covers prescription drugs. Part D plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare and are not included in Original Medicare.
• Who is eligible for Medicare?

  • If you’re age 65 or older, you’re eligible for Medicare if you’re a U.S. citizen and you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. If you’re under age 65, you’re eligible for Medicare if you have received Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 month, or you have a qualifying condition. 

• How can I enroll in Medicare?
  • You are automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) when you turn 65 if you’re receiving Social Security retirement or Railroad Retirement benefits. If you haven’t yet received your red, white, and blue Medicare ID card in the mail, contact Social Security for your card and number.If you’re not automatically enrolled, you can sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). The IEP is the seven-month period of time when you can enroll for the first time in Medicare Parts A and B. It begins three months before your 65th birthday, lasts the entire month of your birthday and then continues for three months after your birthday. For example, if your birthday is April 5, you would be eligible from January to July. For questions on when you are eligible to sign up for Medicare visit www.medicare.gov.