What Is Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD). The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services:

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Medicare Part C

(Medicare Advantage Plans)

A type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all your Part A and Part B benefits. Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage and additional benefits.

Medicare Part D

(Prescription Drug Plan)

Part D plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. The part D plans help cover the cost of outpatient prescription drugs. These plans are often added to Original Medicare, Medigap and some Cost plans.

Medicare Part E

(Medigap & Cost Plans)

Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies which can help pay some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover. There are different types of Medigap plans:

Basic
Extended Basic
Co-pay Plan
High Deductible

Cost plans are similar to Advantage plans and may offer additional benefits. Cost plans are only offered in a limited number of states/counties.

Commonly Asked Questions

When Do I Sign Up For Part A and B of Medicare?

When you're first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B.

In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You'll have to pay this penalty for as long as you have Part B and could have a gap in your health coverage.

I'm Still Working - Do I need Medicare?

Every situation is unique. You may be able to delay your enrollment into Part A & B without incurring a penalty; or you may be required to enroll in Part A & B while still being employed. By contacting Burgau Insurance, we can assist with evaluating your options.

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

Medicare Part A is typically a $0 premium
Medicare Part B, most beneficiaries pay a monthly premium
Any supplemental plans may have additional premiums

Should I Shop Around?

Medicare premiums are the same whether working with an agent or self-navigating your options. Burgau Insurance focuses on education to make you feel comfortable deciding which plan might be most suitable for you.