At UMass Memorial Health, we understand that every situation is unique and understanding your options for Medicare coverage is important, and often overwhelming. We appreciate that you have many questions and decisions to make and want to be a trusted resource for information regarding options to access Medicare benefits. 

Understanding Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, and people with certain disabilities. Medicare is broken into numerous parts, as described by Medicare.gov and referenced below:

Part A (Hospital Insurance): Helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care.

Part B (Medical Insurance): Helps cover:

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

Part D (Drug coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines). You join a Medicare drug plan in addition to Original Medicare, or you get it by joining a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage. Plans that offer Medicare drug coverage are run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare.

Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.

In most cases, you’ll need to use doctors who are in the plan’s network or may need a referral to see a specialist.  Plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare. Plans may offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover — like vision, hearing, and dental services.

Medicare Resource Center

Understanding Medicare can be complex, but the UMass Memorial Health Medicare Resource Center is here to help. If you have questions about Medicare or want information about the plans accepted by UMass Memorial Health, contact our expert advisors, supported by Mass Advantage, at 844-416-1051, TTY:711. Advisors are available to help you free of charge October 1 to March 31, 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week  and April 1 to September 30, 8 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday. 

Visit our Medicare Resource Center to sign up for a virtual or in-person meeting. For additional information, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-Medicare (800-633-4227).