DEFINING THE FOUR PARTS THAT MAKE UP MEDICARE

Medicare is the National Healthcare plan for everyone in America age 65 and over. Medicare is part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Everyone enrolls in Medicare through the Social Security Administration. Once they are approved and enrolled in a Medicare Plan their Healthcare is managed by Medicare. There are some disabled Americans who may be granted Medicare prior to age 65.

Medicare was first envisioned by President Harry S, Truman however, it never became law until 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed it into Law. Harry and Bess Truman were the first two Medicare Beneficiaries in the United States. Today, Medicare has 4 Parts (A, B, C & D)

Medicare is the largest Health Program in the United States.  It serves over 64 million Americans, and for all of the Medicare jokes you may have heard, Medicare really is FANTASTIC healthcare, and you get to customize how you want your Medicare to work for you. 

Original Medicare has always been made up of Two Parts, Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, ever since Lyndon Johnson signed it into law.  Then, under Bill Clinton, Medicare added the 3rd part of Medicare, Medicare Part C.  Medicare Part C was originally referred to as called Medicare Choice at the time, but later became known as Medicare Advantage.   And lastly, George W. Bush added the last part of Medicare to date, Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D covers Prescription Drug plans.

We are going to jump in and give some what I hope is simple and easy to understand information about the Four Parts of Medicare. 

MEDICARE PART A

Covers Hospitalization Costs, Skilled Nursing Care and Hospice Care. Medicare Part A is basically free to 99% of those enrolled in Medicare. This is what we pay for during our working careers in Medicare and Social Security taxes.