Medicare Basics are three core parts to Medicare Parts A, B, and D. Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (supplemental medical insurance) were the original parts to Medicare; as a result, they are referred to as Medicare.” Medicare Part D (prescription coverage) was “Original established in 2006. You may be wondering, about Part C?” Part C “What is a way for beneficiaries to get their Part A and B benefits, and even Part D, through a private health insurance company. This unit will provide details about each part of Medicare, but keep in mind CWICs aren’t expected to be experts on what Medicare does or doesn’t cover. When beneficiaries have questions about Medicare coverage, CWICs must be prepared to refer to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP is a national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. Through federal grants directed to states, SHIPs provide free counseling and assistance via telephone and face-to-face meetings. SHIP counselors may be paid employees or volunteers and complete a thorough training to help address a number of Medicare coverage questions. Details about SHIPs are provided further on in this unit. NOTE: The annual CMS publication and You” provides an “Medicare easy-to-understand overview of the parts of Medicare. This publication is an invaluable reference guide for CWICs on Medicare program rules. You can ask Medicare to mail you a copy by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or download it at: The following outlines the parts of Medicare: Medicare Part Overview Out of Pocket Expenses Part A: Inpatient hospital care Deductibles, plus co- Hospital Post-acute insurance based on length Insurance rehabilitation of stay (HI) Part B Doctor’s services and Typically 20% of Supplemental outpatient care approved customary Medical outpatient charges after Insurance an annual deductible (SMI)
Medicare Basics are three core parts to Medicare Parts A, B, and D. Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (supplemental medical insurance) were the original parts to Medicare; as a result, they are referred to as “Original Medicare.” Medicare Part D (prescription coverage) was established in 2006. You may be wondering, “What about Part C?” Part C is a way for beneficiaries to get their Part A and B benefits, and even Part D, through a private health insurance company. This unit will provide details about each part of Medicare, but keep in mind CWICs aren’t expected to be experts on what Medicare does or doesn’t cover. When beneficiaries have questions about Medicare coverage, CWICs must be prepared to refer to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP is a national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. Through federal grants directed to states, SHIPs provide free counseling and assistance via telephone and face-to-face meetings. SHIP counselors may be paid employees or volunteers and complete a thorough training to help address a number of Medicare coverage questions. Details about SHIPs are provided further on in this unit. NOTE: The annual CMS publication “Medicare and You” provides an easy-to-understand overview of the parts of Medicare. This publication is an invaluable reference guide for CWICs on Medicare program rules. You can ask Medicare to mail you a copy by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or download it at: The following outlines the parts of Medicare: Medicare Part Overview Out of Pocket Expenses Part A: Hospital Insurance (HI) Inpatient hospital care Post-acute rehabilitation Deductibles, plus co- insurance based on length of stay Part B Supplemental Medical Insurance (SMI) Doctor’s services and outpatient care Typically 20% of approved customary outpatient charges after an annual deductible
2016_WIPA_Manual_Module_4_S.docx