Turning 65: Learn how Medicare works

Part A helps cover inpatient hospitalization, care in skilled nursing facilities, hospice care and some home health care, usually for no monthly premium.

• You may still have to pay out-of-pocket costs for some services, including a deductible.
• Most people who have been employed automatically get Part A. 

Part B helps cover medical services such as visits to a doctor’s office, durable medical equipment and outpatient care.

• You may have to pay a percentage of the cost for some services, in addition to your yearly deductible.
• You usually pay a monthly premium, based on your income, which is typically deducted directly from your Social Security check. 
  Get details.
• If you’re going to continue to receive coverage through your employer past age 65, you may decide you do not want to take Part B
  See your options.

For many people, Original Medicare doesn’t cover everything they want or need. A Medicare Advantage plan includes the benefits of Parts A and B, but can also offer extra benefits like dental and vision coverage.

• You must have Part A and Part B to enroll in C. See if you’re eligible.
• You usually pay a monthly premium to the health insurance company for a Part C plan, and continue to pay your Part B premium, which is deducted from your Social Security check each month.
• Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private health insurance companies, like Mass General Brigham Health Plan. Explore these plans.
• Some even include Part D prescription drug coverage.

Part D is prescription drug coverage that includes many commonly used brand name and generic drugs. Original Medicare does not include any coverage for prescription drugs. You need to have Part A and Part B to be eligible for Part D.

• There are two ways you can get Medicare Part D:

1. You enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that includes Part D coverage
2. You enroll in a standalone Part D plan

• There is generally a monthly premium based on income for Part D coverage
• Based on income, you may pay a Part D surcharge to Medicare, deducted from your Social Security check
• If you are low income or are on both Medicare and Medicaid, you may be eligible for extra help with Part D drug coverage. Get details.

Learn more about Mass General Brigham Health Plan's Part D Prescription Drug Coverage

NOTE: If you don’t enroll in Part D when you first become eligible, or do not have coverage as good as Medicare’s, you may have to pay a penalty if you join at a later date. Get details.