Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Generally, Medicare is for people 65 or older. You may be able to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Medicare Advantage bundles Original Medicare Parts A and B into one plan and usually includes Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. These plans typically have low premiums and you usually have to stay within a network of doctors. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer extra benefits, such as routine dental, vision and hearing services.

A Medicare Supplement plan, also called Medigap, isn’t bundled with anything. This is extra coverage which helps pay the costs that original Medicare doesn't. These plans usually have a high premium and allow you to go to any doctor that accepts Medicare. Typically you need to purchase a separate prescription drug plan in addition to your Supplement plan.

There is a program called Extra Help that will help pay for drug costs and plan premiums.

To see if you qualify for Extra Help just complete our Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (Form SSA-1020).

Apply online here, call Social Security at (800) 772-1213 (TTY (800) 325-0778) to apply over the phone or to request an application, apply at your local Social Security office.

The Annual Election Period (AEP) and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) allow Medicare beneficiaries to make changes to the way they receive their Medicare coverage.

People who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are called "dual eligible". When someone is dual eligible, their Medicare and Medicaid plans work together to cover their healthcare costs. Medicare pays first and then Medicaid pays last. Medicare covers your prescription drugs, but Medicaid may cover some drugs that Medicare doesn't cover.

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you may be eligible for a plan that gives you more health care coverage than you currently get. You could receive a monthly credit to buy healthy foods, over-the-counter products, and pay utility bills such as electricity, gas, water and internet.

Log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print or order an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to order a replacement card to be sent in the mail. TTY users can call (877) 486-2048.