Medicare has four parts:

• Part A helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health care and hospice care.

• Part B helps pay for doctors' services and other medical services and supplies not covered by hospital insurance.

• Part C (Medicare Advantage Plan) provides extended coverage for people with Medicare Part A and B who choose to receive all of ther health care services through an approved plan provider.

• Part D helps pay for prescription drug coverage

Individuals who have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for 24 months are eligible for free Part A coverage and may enroll for Part B coverage, subject to paying a monthly premium.  Individuals who have Part A and Part B coverage may join a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) subject to payment of applicable monthly premium.  Individuals who have Part A and Part B coverage are also eligible for prescription drug coverage under Part D subject to payment of applicable monthly premium.