What Is Medicare?
Learn about Medicare with Amerigroup
Understanding Medicare – and the parts that go with it – can help you find coverage to meet your health needs and your budget. We’re here to help with information that makes it easier to find the right plan.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that helps pay for your healthcare. It is for people 65 or older, and for some younger individuals with disabilities or health conditions. Even if you still have employer health benefits at age 65, you might want to enroll in Medicare to replace or enhance your current insurance.
In addition to learning about the four parts of Medicare, Amerigroup can help you learn more about applying for Medicare, including when and how to enroll. You can also see if you’re eligible for government-sponsored Medicare savings programs to help you pay for Medicare plan costs.
The Four Parts of Medicare
Medicare has four parts: A, B, C, and D.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offers Original Medicare, which includes Medicare Part A (hospital care) and Part B (doctor visits). However, many people find they need more coverage than what Original Medicare provides. For example, you might want dental, vision, and hearing insurance, or prescription drug coverage. This is where Medicare Part C (a Medicare Advantage plan) and Part D (a prescription drug plan) come in.
After you enroll in Original Medicare Part A and B, you can sign up for Part C and/or Part D through a private insurance company like Amerigroup. Original Medicare does not offer Part C or Part D plans.
Part A
Medicare Part A (one part of Original Medicare) covers hospital stays and some at-home care. Part A is important in case you have an unexpected injury or sudden illness that requires inpatient care. Keep in mind that Medicare Part A does not include coverage for prescription drugs.
Part B
Medicare Part B (the other part of Original Medicare) includes doctor visits, medical tests, X-rays, medical supplies, and long-term preventive care. It provides coverage for the healthcare visits that help you stay healthy. Like Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B does not include coverage for prescription drugs.
Part C
Medicare Part C (also called a Medicare Advantage plan) is an all-in-one plan that combines Part A and B, and usually includes Part D. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include coverage for dental, vision, and hearing aids.
Part D
Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs, which are not included in Part A or Part B. Part D is important if you have regular medications for a condition such as high blood pressure.
If you do not enroll in a Part D plan or a plan that includes Part D and you do not have creditable coverage for your drugs, you will incur a penalty for every month you were eligible and did not enroll.
Make the Most out of Medicare with an Amerivantage Plan
Amerivantage Medicare Advantage plans from Amerigroup offer benefits that Part A and Part B do not include, such as coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing aids. Our Medicare Advantage plans also feature additional benefits, such as no-cost fitness program memberships, personal home helpers, transportation to doctor visits, and more.
If you only need prescription drug coverage, a stand-alone Part D plan might be right for you. Find and compare Amerigroup’s Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans today.
Amerigroup also offers Special Needs Plans, which are Medicare Advantage plans designed for people diagnosed with certain conditions or diseases, or those with low incomes.
Attend a Free Medicare Event
Sign up for a free, no-pressure Medicare event to learn how Amerigroup Medicare plans help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t.
This is an insurance sales presentation. A licensed insurance agent will be present with information and applications.
Non-Discrimination Notice: The plan documents may be available in other languages. Or, if you have special needs, the documents may be available in other formats. Please review the Notice of Non-Discrimination in Health Programs and Activities and call Customer Service for details.
Amerigroup is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in Amerigroup depends on contract renewal.