Do you have to pay for Medicare when you turn 65?

Medicare is a health insurance program set up for people aged 65 and older. People with certain disabilities who are younger than 65 can also qualify for Medicare coverage. Do you have to pay for Medicare when you turn 65?

The Medicare program was designed to help older people cover health insurance costs, but it is important to note that Medicare may not cover all health or medical expenses.

When it comes to choosing how you are covered under Medicare you can choose Part A coverage, or full coverage with Medicare Part A and Part B. Since Medicare won’t cover all health and medical costs, many people choose to also purchase a supplemental health insurance plan to cover Medicare’s insurance gaps. These are called Medigap plans.

What you choose to pay for is up to you, but before you make a decision, read on to learn what your Medicare options are.

Compare affordable Medicare insurance quotes today, and enter your ZIP code above to see rates in your area.

Do you have to pay for Medicare?

Most people over the age of 65 qualify for free Part A Medicare coverage as long as they have paid into the Medicare system for long enough through their job. Medicare Part A covers hospital visits and short-term stays at nursing or rehab facilities.

Part A will also pay for some health care services as well as some hospice stays if necessary.  You don’t have to pay for Medicare Part A.

You do have to pay for Medicare Part B. This is the medical insurance part of Medicare. Part B covers the services provided by doctors and other health professionals as well as health services in-home, medical equipment, outpatient care, and preventative services.

There are additional Medicare plans sold through private insurance companies.

These supplemental plans are legally bound to adhere to the rules of Medicare. Medicare Part C includes all the benefits of Parts A and B, but Part C includes prescription drug help, vision, dental, and hearing.

Medicare Part D is a supplemental policy that covers prescription drugs. This helps lower the out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications. Medigap insurance helps cover the costs of co-payments and health care deductibles from Medicare Part B.

Can I choose private health insurance instead of Medicare?

Yes, you can opt to buy private health insurance. You do not have to choose Medicare just because you are over the age of 65. Medicare helps reduce health insurance and hospital costs for people over 65, but you are not forced to take any part in Medicare coverage just because you are 65 or older.

However, Medicare can help you save a lot of money on your health insurance costs. If you’re ready to start comparing Medicare insurance rates in your area, enter your ZIP code below.