When you turn 65, or qualify for Medicare 24 months after receiving disability income, you have several Medicare options, depending on your health needs, budget, and preferences. Here's a breakdown of what you can choose from:
Option 1: Original Medicare (Plus Drug plan)
Part A (Hospital Insurance) – Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care (usually free if you worked 10+ years and paid Medicare taxes).
Part B (Medical Insurance) – Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies (monthly premium applies).
What you may need to add:
Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) – Covers medications; offered by private insurers.
This is the minimum you have to do to avoid penalty. This option does not include any extra benefits.
Option 2: Original Medicare (Plus Supplemental plan, also known as Medigap)
Part A (Hospital Insurance) – Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health care (usually free if you worked 10+ years and paid Medicare taxes).
Part B (Medical Insurance) – Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies (monthly premium applies).
What you may need to add:
> Medigap (Medicare Supplement) – Helps cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays, plus you will have to add a drug plan below.....
> Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) – Covers medications; offered by private insurers.
> Come with (No Extra Benefits )
Option 3: Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Bundled alternative to Original Medicare (includes Part A & B and often Part D). Often includes extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs.
Offered by private insurance companies with lower out-of-pocket costs but provider network restrictions (HMO/PPO).
Includes:
Part A (Hospital) – Helps cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays, treatment while in hospitals
Part B (Doctors) – Helps cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays, treatment in office of primary care and specialists
Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) – Covers medications; offered by private insurers.
> Come with (Extra Benefits ) - Additional coverage like dental, visions, hearing, podiatry, chiropractor, gym, etc
> Best for: Those who want an all-in-one plan with extra benefits and don’t mind using a provider network.
Additional Considerations
> If you’re still working and have employer coverage, you may delay Part B without penalty.
> If you have VA benefits, TRICARE, or Medicaid, Medicare may work differently for you.
> If you don’t sign up for Medicare when first eligible, you may face late enrollment penalties (unless you have other coverage).