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Understand the Parts of Medicare
Medicare has different "parts" that cover different services. Knowing them helps you use what you’re entitled to:
Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, nursing home care, and some home health services. It’s free for most people who’ve paid Medicare taxes.
Part B (Medical Insurance): Pays for doctor visits, preventive care, and outpatient services. You pay a monthly premium, but many preventive services like flu shots and cancer screenings are 100% covered.
Part C (Advantage Plans): Private plans that replace Parts A and B, often including extra benefits like dental, vision, or gym memberships. Compare plans yearly—benefits can change!
Part D (Prescription Drugs): Helps with medication costs. Even if you don’t take many pills, enrolling when eligible avoids future penalties.
Pro tip: Use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool to see which drugs your plan covers—prices can vary a lot!
Take Advantage of Free Preventive Services
Medicare offers 20+ free preventive services to keep you healthy and catch issues early. This includes:
Annual Wellness Visits (creates a personalized health plan)
Mammograms, colonoscopies, and flu shots (no copay)
Diabetes screenings and smoking cessation programs
Skipping these means missing out on free care that can save you money long-term. Schedule them every year—your body (and wallet) will thank you.
Enroll at the Right Time to Avoid Penalties
Timing is everything with Medicare. The Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before your 65th birthday and lasts 7 months. Miss it? You might pay higher premiums for Part B and Part D for life.
If you’re still working and have group insurance, you can delay enrollment—but talk to a Medicare counselor first to avoid mistakes. And don’t forget the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7) to switch plans if your needs change, like adding a new medication or moving.
Compare Plans Annually (Yes, Every Year!)
Medicare plans change every year—premiums, covered drugs, and providers can differ. Spend 15 minutes each fall using the Plan Finder to:
See if your current plan still covers your medications
Check if your doctors are in-network
Look for plans with lower deductibles or extra perks like gym access
A quick comparison could save you hundreds of dollars—one user saved $600/year just by switching to a plan with the same benefits but lower costs!
Don’t Ignore Extra Benefits in Advantage Plans
If you choose a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), explore all the extras they offer. Many plans include:
Dental cleanings and eyeglasses
Transportation to doctor visits
Over-the-counter allowances for items like vitamins or bandages
Wellness programs for weight loss or quitting smoking
These perks aren’t standard in Original Medicare, so use them to boost your health and save on out-of-pocket costs.
Your Medicare Checklist: Simple Steps to Maximize Benefits
Know your plan’s parts and what they cover
Use free preventive services every year
Enroll on time (or review your options during open enrollment)
Compare plans annually for the best fit
Take advantage of any extra benefits in your plan
Medicare doesn’t have to be complicated. By staying informed and proactive, you can get the most from your coverage and focus on what matters—staying healthy and living well.
