Medicare Facts

Medicare is a federal health insurance program administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Get more facts on Medicare below:

Medicare Started in 1965
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill that led to Medicare on July 30, 1965.
Medicare Part A is Hospital Insurance
Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient hospital care, some skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
Medicare Part B is Medical Insurance
Medicare Part B helps cover services from doctors and other providers, outpatient care, some home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services like certain vaccines and screenings.
Medicare Part C is Medicare Advantage
Medicare Part C, also called "Medicare Advantage," is private insurance that includes at least all the benefits covered under Part A and B.
Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug Coverage
Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Part D plans are run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies.
Medicare Has Set Enrollment Periods
Medicare has set enrollment periods each year as well as an initial enrollment period when you first become eligible and even special enrollment periods that may trigger due to certain life events.
There are Cost Assistance Options for Medicare
There are cost assistance options for Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D for members who qualify. This includes Medicare Savings Programs for Part A and for Part B, a Low-Income Subsidy also called "Extra Help" for Part D, plus other assistance types.
Some Medicare Advantage Plans may include the Medicare Give Back Benefit.
Medicare Advantage plans in certain states and counties may include the Medicare Give Back Benefit. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the Part B Give Back Benefit, the plan’s carrier will reimburse you for a portion of your monthly Part B premium via your Social Security check.
Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties
Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D all have late enrollment penalties for not signing up when you first become eligible. However, with Part A, penalties only apply to those who must pay a Part A premium. Please note each late enrollment penalty has its own rules.
Some People Get Medicare Part A/B Automatically, but Many People Have to Sign Up
Most people are not automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B and have to sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period. The following are exceptions: If you're already getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). If you're under 65 and have a disability. If you have ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig's disease). Meanwhile, Puerto Rico, has special rules for Medicare Enrollment.
Your Drug Plan Can’t Charge More than $35 for a Month of Insulin
Since January 1, 2023,  Part D plans can't charge you more than $35 for a one-month supply of Part D-covered insulin. You also don’t have to pay a deductible for your insulin.
Medicare Part D Coverage Phases
Starting in 2025 Medicare has four coverage phases for drugs, the Deductible Phase, the Initial Coverage Phase, and the Catastrophic Coverage Phase.

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Need more information on Medicare Part D Coverage Phases? See 2025 Medicare Part D Coverage Phases at MedicareAdvantageRX.com.

Get Help Enrolling

Get help enrolling in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan by calling a licensed insurance agent today.

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Aspire Health Plan, Capital Blue Cross, Cigna Healthcare, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Healthy Blue, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Premera Blue Cross, Medica Central Health Plan, SCAN Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare(R), Wellcare, WellPoint

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Factsonmedicare.com is a free-to-use informational website by Dog Media Solutions LLC. All insurance agents and enrollment platforms linked to this site have their own terms and conditions.

Medicare has neither approved nor endorsed any information on this site.

This is a promotional communication.

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system.

Part B premium reduction is not available with all plans. Availability varies by carrier and location. Actual Part B premium reduction could be lower. Deductibles, copays and coinsurance may apply.

All plan-related information on this site is from CMS.gov and Medicare.gov. We only use data released publicly each year. While our goal is always to provide fact-based, accurate information, information is subject to change, and some data may be inaccurate. Contact a plan for a Summary of Benefits.

Enrollment in Medicare/Medicare Advantage may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 18 organizations, which offer 52,101 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

We represent Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans that are contracted with Medicare. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal.

Not all plans offer all of these benefits. Benefits may vary by carrier and location. Limitations and exclusions may apply.

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