Understanding Medicare And Its Parts
The Types Of Medicare
If you are new to Medicare, this information explains the four parts of Medicare and what they cover. You can also learn more about Medicare enrollment, costs, and your coverage options.
New To Medicare?
Medicare is a health insurance program from the federal government, for people 65 or older and for younger individuals living with certain disabilities or health conditions.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) Enrollment
Automatic Enrollment - You are receiving Social Security benefits at least four months before your 65th birthday month.
Enroll at SocialSecurity.gov - You are not receiving Social Security benefits at least four months before your 65th birthday month.
After you sign up for Original Medicare, you can add a Part C or D plan through a private insurance company like Anthem.
What Are The Four Parts Of Medicare?
Original Medicare has two parts: Part A covers hospital care, and Part B covers doctor and outpatient care. However, many people find they need more coverage than what Original Medicare offers.
For example, you might want coverage for prescription drugs, dental, and vision. This is where Medicare Parts C and D come in.
What is Medicare Part A?
Part A covers hospitalization, home care, and inpatient services.
What is Medicare Part B?
Part B covers outpatient and preventive care, doctor visits, and medical tests.
What is Medicare Part C?
Part C is also called Medicare Advantage. Decide if a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you.
What is Medicare Part D?
Part D covers prescription drugs, which aren't covered by Original Medicare.
Turning 65 And Signing Up for Medicare
If you are turning 65 soon, happy early birthday to you! Here is some information about what it means for your healthcare coverage when you hit this important milestone. It includes when and how you can sign up for Medicare, and how much it’s going to cost.
Read Our Other Medicare Articles
What Does Medicare Cover?
What Is Medicare Part A?
What Is Medicare Part B?
What Is Medicare Part C?
What Is Medicare Part D?
Signing up for Medicare
Why Choose Anthem?
Get the facts on Medicare vs Medicaid
What Is Medicare?
Turning 65
Medicare Eligibility
Ready to Shop Our Medicare Plans?
Our tools help you search for Medicare plans based on what’s important to you. You can save your favorites and come back during one of the enrollment periods to apply.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, a Medicare Advantage Organization with a Medicare Contract in Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin, offer HMO, HMO D-SNP, HMO C-SNP, HMO I-SNP, LPPO, LPPO D-SNP and/or RPPO. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers PDP plans in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO D-SNP and LPPO D-SNP plans contract with state Medicaid programs. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Retiree Solutions, a Medicare Organization with a Medicare Contract in New York, offers LPPO plans. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Retiree Solutions plans depend on contract renewal.