Created in 1966, Original Medicare ('OM") is the federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 or older, people with End-Stage Renal Disease or permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, or individuals under 65 with disabilities. It’s a fee-for-service healthcare program in which the government pays healthcare providers directly for services that fall under Parts A and B, collectively known as Original Medicare.

Original Medicare has two parts:

Medicare Part A: Inpatient hospital and skilling nursing services

Medicare Part B: Outpatient services, doctor visits, durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds), and also covers many preventive services like screenings, shots, vaccines, and yearly wellness visits. The standard Part B premium for 2025 is $185.00 per month.

The other parts of Medicare:

Medicare Part C:  Medicare Advantage plans are Medicare-approved plans from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans bundle Part A (Hospital), Part B (Medical), and usually Part D (Prescription Drugs). You MUST continue paying the standard Part B premium, although several plans offer Part B giveback options.

Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage for Medicare eligible individuals. These plans are available as a stand-alone product or included in certain Medicare Advantage plans (Part C).

Medicare Supplement Plans: Also known as Medigap or labeled with other letters of the Medicare alphabet soup. These plans cover the gaps in Original Medicare and can reduce exposure to deductibles, coinsurance and copays.

Turning 65 can be an exciting, yet confusing, time! Understanding the ins & outs of Medicare, Social Security & the options available can be daunting! Medicare choices are confusing & cost millions of dollars each year, don't let that happen to you! The first step is to schedule time with Core Legacy Group LLC to go over YOUR individual health needs, medications, providers, & more!

Most people sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) when they first become eligible, typically at age 65. This is called your IEP (Initial Enrollment Period). Your IEP is a 7-month window that includes the 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and the three months after your birthday. It’s important to enroll during this period to avoid potential late enrollment penalties. If you are currently 64 years old, book an appointment today to review your options and enrollment periods.

It's important to enroll during this time to avoid gaps in coverage or late enrollment penalties, that could last for life!

If you're already covered through an employer group health plan, it might make sense to sign up for Medicare later or delay Part B. If you are age 65 or older and receive Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A.

Medicare supplement insurance plans, also known as Medigap, help pay for the costs that people with original Medicare incur, such as coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments. Private insurance companies administer Medigap policies, which must follow Medicare rules. Some Medigap policies become unavailable when Medicare benefits change.

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as "Plan C" often include additional benefits beyond original Medicare, such as dental, vision, transportation assistance, healthy benefits/grocery card, and more. These plans are specific to your zip code and utilize 'networks'. Book an appointment today to see if a Medicare Advantage Plan would be a good fit for YOU!

First of all, thank you for your service! For individuals that are enrolled in these plans, there are specific Medicare Advantage plans designed to work alongside these plans, not impede it! Let's work together to find the best options for YOU!