Turning 65 - Preparing for Medicare
Turning 65 - Medicare Checklist
Before your 65th birthday is the time to start thinking about Medicare.
That means understanding what Medicare is, how and when to enroll, and what it does and does not cover. It’s also time to think about the options available that can help protect you from the expenses not covered by Medicare.
We at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois want to give you some clear, practical information on the basics of Medicare. We’re also pleased to highlight our available plan choices that can help cover the costs Medicare does not cover.
Medicare at a Glance
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for:
- People ages 65 and older
- People younger than age 65 with certain disabilities
- People of all ages with end-stage renal disease or permanent kidney failure
Medicare has 4 main parts:
- Part A Hospital Insurance
Part A provides coverage for hospital and skilled nursing facility care. In addition, Part A helps pay for home health care by covering speech and physical therapy, home health aides, and durable medical equipment. Hospice care is also under Part A. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A. - Part B Medical Insurance
Part B covers outpatient medical care you receive from doctors and other health care providers. Most people pay a monthly premium for this coverage. - Part C Medicare Advantage
Under Medicare Part C, private insurance companies contract with the federal government to provide all the benefits covered under Medicare plus additional coverage not included with Medicare. Costs are generally more affordable than other options because the federal government contributes to the cost of the premium. - Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
Individuals can purchase a Medicare-approved prescription drug plan (PDP) through a private insurance company or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan (MAPD).
Learn more about Turning 65 - Medicare Checklist
