Medicare is a national health insurance program for people 65 years of age and older, certain younger disabled people, and people with kidney failure. It is divided into two parts: Hospital Insurance (Part A) and Medical Insurance (Part B). While you do not have to pay for Part A if you meet the eligibility requirements, you must pay for Part B if you want Part B coverage. Medicare does not cover all medical expenses and has limitations that cause "gaps" in coverage. You may want to buy a Medicare Supplemental Insurance aka a "Medigap" policy. Medigap is private insurance that is designed to help pay your Medicare cost-sharing amounts. For more information on Medicare call your local Social Security Administration Office or visit medicare.gov

There are many aspects to Medicare coverage especially when maintained in conjunction with or in lieu of a group insurance program. First are the coverage types relative to Medicare. Medicare Part A provides coverage for hospital related expenses. Part B provides coverage for physician services. Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs. Medicare Part C is an HMO-based policy that both replaces and supplements standard Medicare coverage (although members are still required to Pay their Part B premiums).

Who Is Primary? Medicare Or Your Insurance Plan? Medicare is not always the primary payer of your health care bills. Sometimes other insurers are required to pay before Medicare. For example, Medicare is the secondary payer if you are entitled to workers' compensation. Medicare is the secondary payer if you are entitled to Federal black lung benefits. Most commonly, Medicare is the secondary payer if you are employed by an employer with 20 or more employees.

Lastly, many carriers now offer Group Medicare supplement plans which allows certain employers to sponsor highly comprehenirve coverage to their elder population and reduce the average age of their group medical insurance particpants therefore allowing them to receive lower premium rates for the remaining non-Medicare eligible population.

For more information contact your Stratford representative or visit medicare.gov.