Getting ready to retire? A look at Medicare for APWU Health Plan CDO members

Medicare is a federal insurance program for people 65 and older. Medicare is made up of four “parts.” Each part helps pay for certain services and also includes certain costs you may need to pay. Here is a simplified overview of Parts A, B, C and D and the purpose of each.

Basic Medicare Coverage – also called Original Medicare
PART A Hospital insurance	PART B Medical insurance
Allows you to go to any doctor, hospital, skilled nursing facility or outpatient clinic that accepts Medicare.
Covers mostly inpatient care: Hospitalization Some costs for a skilled nursing facility or home health care Hospice Costs: Most federal employees and retirees are entitled to premium-free Part A.	Covers mostly outpatient care: Doctor visits Outpatient hospital Home health care not covered by Part A Costs: You pay a premium every month and must meet a deductible. You will also need to pay a percentage for most doctor services. This is usually 20%.
You can add these if you want
PART C also called Medicare Advantage	PART D Prescription drug coverage
Medicare-approved private health plans that have contracts with Medicare. Usually, you must use certain providers. Covers: All of the same things as Part A and Part B May include prescription coverage May include coverage for vision, hearing and dental Costs: Varies with each plan.	Prescription drug coverage. You must join a plan approved by Medicare Covers: Prescription drugs Costs: You will pay a monthly premium, and must meet a deductible. You will also need to pay either a set amount per prescription (copayment) or a percentage of the cost (coinsurance).
The good news: As an APWU Health Plan member, there is no need for you to enroll in Medicare Part C.	The good news: As an APWU Health Plan member, there is no need for you to enroll in Medicare Part D.

• Medicare eligibility and enrollment
• How the APWU Consumer Driven Option works with Medicare
• Help with Medicare questions