When you turn 65, you are now eligible to apply for Medicare coverage. You can choose from a variety of Medicare options. If you already have additional health insurance, you may only need Part A coverage. If you do not have coverage through your spouse or from another provider, you should look over your choices carefully to determine what you need.

Medicare Part A

The Medicare Part A plan is considered hospital insurance, and this plan is free. The coverage only pays for hospital stays, nursing home care, hospice and home health services. Nursing home care and home health services are only covered if they are rehabilitative and not custodial care. This level of insurance only covers very basic, higher cost needs and doesn't provide coverage for routine doctor visits, medication, or exams.

Medicare Part B

This insurance coverage is optional, and costs consumers $104.90 a month at this time. Medicare Part B is your medical insurance, and it will cover regular doctor visits, ambulance services, durable medical equipment you may need, routine testing and a very limited amount of prescription drugs. As long as your treatment provider accepts Medicare, you will be covered by this insurance for routine and medically necessary treatment.

Medicare Part C

Medicare Part C is also known as the Medicare Advantage Program. This coverage is a combination of A and B, and it is offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.  Much like Medicare Part B, you will pay a monthly premium for coverage. You can shop around for health insurance providers that offer this coverage, and you may find you can get better insurance than if you simply stick with Medicare Part B.

Medicare Part D

This level of insurance is coverage for medications. While Part C plans may cover some medications, the Part D program is designed as an add-on coverage for patients who want their medications paid for. There are also prescription advantage programs to consider, especially for those that are living on an a fixed income. Prescription advantage programs don't cost consumers money, and they can save patients significant amounts of money in prescription costs each year.

If you are searching for a Medicare supplemental plan, it is best to find out what insurances your current treatment providers accept. This way, you can ensure your continuity of care by being able to go to your same physicians, even if you change your health insurance. Determine your coverage needs and you will be able to find the right plan for you. You can visit http://scis.us to learn more.