Medicare provides health insurance for seniors and people with certain disabilities.
Original Medicare:
- Part A (Hospital): Inpatient care, skilled nursing—most pay no premium
- Part B (Medical): Doctor visits, outpatient care
- Part D: Prescription drug coverage (optional, through private plans)
- Medigap: Supplemental insurance to help with deductibles and coinsurance
Medicare Advantage (Part C):
- Private plans combining Parts A & B
- Often includes prescription coverage
- May offer extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing
- Network restrictions apply
HUSKY C - For seniors and people with disabilities who also qualify for Medicaid
- Income limit: about $835/month for individuals
- Asset limit: $1,600 for individuals
- Includes long-term care services
Special enrollment periods:
- 8 months to enroll in Parts A & B after losing employer coverage
- 63 days for Part D or Medicare Advantage
- 63 days for guaranteed Medigap enrollment after employer coverage ends
- Penalties may apply if you miss these windows
You qualify if you're:
- 65 or older, OR
- Under 65 with disabilities (after 24 months of Social Security Disability), OR
- Have End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS