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The Affordable Care Act protects existing guaranteed Medicare benefits and adds new benefits. Learn how.

Medicare

• More information on medicare

Medicare is the national health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Some people younger than 65 with certain disabilities and people with permanent kidney failure are also eligible. Medicare has four parts:

• Part A is hospital insurance.
• Part B helps pay for medical services that Part A doesn't cover.
• Part C is called Medicare Advantage. If you have Parts A and B, you can choose this option to receive all of your health care through a provider organization, like a health maintenance organization (HMO) or preferred provider organization (PPO).
• Part D is prescription drug coverage. It helps pay for some medicines.

Find more information on Medicare.

People who are enrolled in the original Medicare plan (all services are provided through Medicare) may also purchase Medigap insurance. Medigap is sold by private insurance companies. It helps pay for some of the services not covered by parts A and B. Medigap policies must offer standard benefits that comply with federal and state laws. You may be able to choose from up to 12 different plans that have different levels of payment. Medicare Advantage (Part C) members cannot purchase Medigap polices.

Find out more about Medigap plans.

PACE (Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a Medicare health plan that combines medical, social, and long-term care services and prescription drug coverage for frail older adults and disabled people. This program provides community-based care and services to people who otherwise need a level of care that is like they would get in a nursing home.

Find out more about PACE.

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More information on medicare

Explore other publications and websites

• 2010 Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People With Medicare — This guide has easy steps to help you buy Medicare Supplement Insurance.
  http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/02110.pdf
• Cervical and Vaginal Cancer Screenings (Pap Tests and Pelvic Exams) — This publication has information for women on what is covered in the original Medicare plan, what Medicare covers, and what Medicare members must pay for.
  http://www.medicare.gov/navigation/manage-your-health/preventive-services/cervical-cancer-screening.aspx
• Health Insurance Reform and Medicare — There is a lot of confusion over what the recent health care reform means for Americans. This fact sheet sets the record straight on how the Affordable Care Act does and does not affect Medicare access.
  http://healthreform.gov/reports/medicare/index.html
• Medicare — This on-line resource contains information on Medicare including what it is, who is eligible, what Medicare covers and how to get more information.
  http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10043.html
• Medicare & You 2010 — This publication provides information on Medicare benefits: who's eligible, how to enroll, what medical/hospital expenses are covered, and how much of the bill you are responsible for paying.
  http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf
• Quick Facts About Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) — PACE is a Medicare program for older adults and people over age 55 living with disabilities. This quick fact sheet answers questions about PACE such as who is eligible and what services are offered.
  http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11341.pdf
• Steps to Choosing Long-Term Care — This Internet page is a guide to help Medicare beneficiaries choose a long-term care facility for quality care.
  http://www.medicare.gov/LongTermCare/Static/StepsOverview.asp
• Your Guide to Medicare's Preventive Services — You can take steps to lower your risk of disease and illness, and Medicare provides coverage for these preventive services to help you stay healthy. Read this publication for more information on covered services.
  http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10110.pdf
• Your Medicare Benefits — This booklet explains Medicare part A and B benefits, including which health care services and supplies are covered, when they are covered, and how much you pay.
  http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10116.pdf
• Your Medicare Rights and Protections — This booklet has information on your rights through Medicare. It explains your right to get the health care you need, your right to file a complaint, and where you can get more information.
  http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10112.pdf

Connect with other organizations

• Access to Benefits Coalition
  http://www.accesstobenefits.org
• America’s Health Insurance Plans
  http://www.ahip.org
• American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
  http://www.aarp.org/
• Benefits.gov
  http://www.benefits.gov/
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HHS
  http://www.cms.hhs.gov/default.asp?
• HealthCare.gov
  http://www.healthcare.gov/
• Medicare Rights Center
  http://www.medicarerights.org/about-mrc/
• National Institute on Aging, NIH, HHS
  http://www.nia.nih.gov/
• National Senior Citizens Law Center
  http://www.nsclc.org/
• The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging
  http://www.healthinaging.org/

Content last updated August 12, 2010.

Resources last updated August 12, 2010.

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