Medicare | Education & Resources

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for:

• Individuals 65 and older

• People under 65 with certain disabilities

• Those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Medicare is divided into four main parts, each covering different healthcare needs.

Understanding the Parts of Medicare

Part A — Hospital Insurance

Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and limited home healthcare.

Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough.

Part B — Medical Insurance

Covers doctor visits, preventive services, outpatient care, and some medical supplies.

There’s a standard monthly premium for Part B, set annually by Medicare.

Part C — Medicare Advantage Plans

Offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

These plans combine Part A and Part B and often include Part D (prescription coverage), plus extras like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits. 

**At Provision Insurance, I help you compare Medicare Advantage Plans in South Carolina to find one that fits your needs and budget.

Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage

Helps cover the cost of your medications.

Each plan varies in cost and covered drug list (formulary), so it’s important to review annually.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans

If you stay on Original Medicare (Parts A & B), you can add a Medigap plan to help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

These plans are offered by private companies and give you predictable healthcare costs.

 **Need help comparing Medigap plans in South Carolina? I’ll walk you through your options side-by-side.

 Medicare Enrollment Periods

Knowing when to enroll is just as important as knowing what to choose.

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window around your 65th birthday.

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year.

• Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31 (for changes to Medicare Advantage plans).

• Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): Available if you lose coverage, move, or have qualifying life changes.

 Helpful Medicare Resources

Here are a few trusted sources to continue your research:

• Medicare.gov – Official U.S. Government Site

• Social Security Administration – Apply for Medicare

• South Carolina Department of Insurance

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 4 organizations which offer 48 products in your area. Please contact medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.