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Part A: Hospitalization
Medicare Part A (Hospitalization Insurance) helps cover inpatient care in hospitals,
critical access hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care).
It also helps cover hospice care and some home health care. Certain conditions must
be met.
Part B: Doctor’s Services and Home Health
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover doctor’s services and outpatient
hospital care. It also covers some other medical services that Part A does not, such as
some of the services of physical and occupational therapists, and some home health
care. Part B helps pay for these covered services and supplies when they are medically
necessary.
Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Part C, “Medicare Advantage,” expands managed care options to include
preferred provider and provider-sponsored organization services, private fee-for-service
plans and medical savings accounts, in addition to the Medicare HMOs
previously available. For more information about Medicare Advantage Plans, contact
the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) at 1-800-548-9034, 217-524-4872
(TDD), or visit www.idfpr.com/DOI/Ship/ship_help.asp.
Part D: Medicare Prescription Drug Program
Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance that covers both brand-name and
generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies. Medicare prescription drug
coverage provides protection for people who have very high drug costs. Everyone
with Medicare is eligible for this coverage, regardless of income and resources, health
status, or current prescription expenses. Beneficiaries may obtain prescription drug
coverage by joining a stand alone Medicare prescription drug plan, or by joining a
Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Health Plan that includes drug coverage.
Illinois Medicare Part D beneficiaries may qualify for additional pharmaceutical
benefits through the Illinois Cares Rx program (see page 27).
Medicare Preventive Benefits
Screening and early detection is the best way to guarantee independence and a quality
of life by avoiding chronic conditions that cause disability or even death.
Medicare beneficiaries qualify for the following preventive tests and screenings:
i “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam
i Cardiovascular screenings
i Mammograms, Pap tests and pelvic exams
Health Care
