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Social Security-
Questions and Answers
By Erin Thompson, Public Affairs Specialist in Toledo, OH
Question:
I will rely on Medicare
when I retire. Can you explain the different parts of
Medicare?
Answer:
The different parts of Medicare cover your specific
needs. There are four parts, all of which work in
tandem to deliver healthcare services.
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Part A (hospital insurance): Hospital insurance helps
pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing
facility (following a hospital stay), some home health
care, and hospice care.
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Part B (medical insurance): Medical insurance helps pay
for doctors’ services and many other medical services
and supplies that hospital insurance doesn’t cover.
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Part C (Medicare Advantage plans): If you have Medicare
Parts A and B, you can join a Medicare Advantage plan.
Private companies offer Medicare Advantage plans which
are approved by Medicare. These plans generally
help you pay the medical costs not covered by Medicare
Part A and B.
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Part D (prescription drug coverage): Prescription drug
coverage helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for
treatment.
Question:
I understand you must have limited resources to be eligible
for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs.
What does this mean?
Answer:
Resources include the value of the things you own. Some
examples are real estate (other than your primary
residence); bank accounts, including checking, savings, and
certificates of deposit; stocks; bonds, including United
States Savings Bonds; mutual funds; Individual Retirement
Accounts (IRA); and cash you have at home or anywhere else.
To learn more about Extra Help, and to apply online,
visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.
Question:
I lost my Medicare card. How can I get replacement?
Answer:
The easiest and newest way to get a replacement Medicare
card is by using your my Social Security account. Go
to
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
for more information on how to create an account. You also
can get a replacement Medicare card by calling us toll-free
at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Keep your card in a
safe place. You don’t want anyone getting hold of your
Social Security number. They could steal your identity.
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