Medicare
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a program run by the United States Government that provides health insurance. Most people 65 years and older qualify for Medicare. You might also be eligible for Medicare if you have certain disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease (kidney failure).
Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Missouri SHIP can help you find out when you will qualify for Medicare. We can also help you sign up for programs to help you save money on Medicare if you are eligible. Use the buttons below to learn more or to contact us for help.
Decide how you want to get your coverage.
Medicare has many parts.
Medicare Part A
Part A helps you pay for hospitals, home health, hospice, and skilled nursing.
Medicare Part B
Part B helps you pay for medical care, like doctor’s visits, outpatient hospital services, and medical equipment. Medicare Part A and Part B are called “Original Medicare” or “Traditional Medicare.” A Missouri SHIP counselor can help you find out what Original Medicare covers. They can also help you determine how much you will pay for medical care.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D helps you pay for prescription medicine with special insurance plans. These plans are sometimes called “Part D drug plans” or “Part D plans.” Private companies run Part D Plans. It is important to know that your Part D drug plans can make changes on January 1 of every year. Your plan can stop covering your pharmacy, or your medicine could get more expensive. A Missouri SHIP counselor can help you check for these changes during “Medicare Open Enrollment.” We can also help you find a plan that will save you money. We can even help you sign up for programs to help pay for your Part D Plan Premium or prescriptions!
Medicare Open Enrollment is always from October 15 to December 7. Use the buttons below to learn more about Medicare Open Enrollment or to contact us for help.
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Medicare Advantage is sometimes called “Medicare Part C.” Medicare Advantage plans are different ways of getting benefits offered by Part A and Part B. You cannot have Medicare Advantage plans if you have Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans are run by private companies that have contracts with Medicare. Plans must provide the same benefits as Part A and Part B as Original Medicare. But the amount you pay for those benefits might differ from Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans also might not cover every doctor who takes Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans have extra benefits like dental and vision screenings.
A Missouri SHIP counselor can help you with Medicare Advantage plans. We do not sell plans and will never pressure you to sign up! We can help you understand Medicare Advantage plans and decide if one is right for you.
What are Medicare Supplements?
Medicare Supplements are insurance policies that add to your Original Medicare coverage. They are also called “Supplemental Insurance” or “Medicare Supplemental Insurance.” There are many kinds of Medicare Supplements. The most common Medicare Supplements are Medigap policies.
Original Medicare was not designed to pay for all your health care costs. It has many gaps in coverage that Medicare does not pay for, such as coinsurance and deductibles. You can choose to fill those gaps with a Medicare Supplement plan. Private companies run most Medicare Supplements.
A Missouri SHIP counselor can help you with Medicare Supplement plans. We do not sell plans and will never pressure you to sign up! We can help you understand Medicare Supplement plans and decide if one is right for you.