Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that primarily provides coverage for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities and people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It helps cover various healthcare costs, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs.

Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health plan that has two parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).

Part A helps cover:

• Inpatient care in hospitals
• Skilled nursing facility care
• Hospice care
• Home health care

Part B helps cover:

• Services from doctors and other healthcare providers
• Outpatient care
• Home health care
• Durable medical equipment (DME) (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment)
• Many preventive services (like screenings, shots or vaccines, and yearly “Wellness” visits)

Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C):

• An “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.
• Plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare.
• Most plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover— like vision, hearing, and dental services.

Part D (prescription drug coverage):

• Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines)
• Run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare
• May help lower your drug costs and help protect against higher costs in the future

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is a comprehensive healthcare reform law enacted in 2010. It was designed to expand access to affordable health insurance coverage, improve the quality of healthcare, and reduce healthcare costs. The ACA introduced several key provisions and changes to the healthcare system in the United States.

The specific coverage you receive with your plan under Obamacare will vary based on your chosen plan. However, the ACA plan required coverage includes:

• Preventative care
• Emergency care
• Outpatient care when you are not admitted to the hospital
• Hospitalization
• Pregnancy and newborn care
• Services for mental health and substance use disorders
• Rehabilitative services
• Pediatric care
• Laboratory services