Information about Medicare
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:
- Eligible people age 65 or older
- Certain younger individuals with disabilities
- Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Medicare Advantage (MAPD), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP)
There are several types of Medicare health insurance plans, including:
- Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPD)
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
- Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP)
Medicare Publications
- Medicare & You: The official U.S. Government Medicare Handbook
- Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare – Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Your Guide to Who Pays First: Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare & Other Health Benefits
The Different Parts of Medicare
Medicare is divided into different parts that help cover specific services:
- Part A – Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care
- Part B – Covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services
- Part C (Medicare Advantage) – Combines Parts A and B, and often Part D. Offered by private insurance companies as an “all-in-one” alternative to Original Medicare
- Part D – Adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare and certain other Medicare plan types. Offered by private insurance companies
Medicare Rates & IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)
Most beneficiaries pay the standard premium for Medicare Parts B and D. If your modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds, you may pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).
Medicare determines IRMAA using the modified adjusted gross income reported on your IRS tax return from two years prior.
What Medicare Plans Are Available?
Original Medicare covers medically necessary services and supplies, such as doctor visits, lab tests, and durable medical equipment.
Additional coverage options include:
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Also known as Part C, Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare and typically includes Part A, Part B, and often Part D coverage in one bundled plan. We offer Medicare Advantage plans in Oregon and Southwest Washington from a variety of carriers.
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)
- Medigap policies are purchased from private insurance companies to help pay out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare. You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to purchase a Medigap policy. We offer multiple Medigap plan options in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP)
- Prescription Drug Plans provide Part D coverage and may be paired with Original Medicare or certain Medicare plan types. Medicare requires a completed Scope of Appointment form before discussing PDP options.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.