Medicare: What You Need to Know

Friendly guidance from Jake McGeoy, your local Medicare advisor serving Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that’s been helping Americans get the care they need for decades. It’s designed for:

People age 65 or older
People under 65 with certain disabilities
People of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant)

While Medicare is run by the government, it’s not a one-size-fits-all program. There are different parts — each covering specific services — and choosing the right combination can make a huge difference in your coverage and costs. That’s where I come in.

Part A Hospital Insurance

For most people, Part A comes with no monthly premium because you or your spouse paid into it through payroll taxes while working.

Part A helps cover:

Inpatient hospital care (including critical access hospitals)
Skilled nursing facility care (short-term rehabilitation, not long-term custodial care)
Hospice care for those with terminal illness
Some limited home health care

Think of Part A as your safety net for hospital-related care. To use these benefits, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility conditions — I can help you understand exactly what those are.

Part B Medical Insurance

Part B does have a monthly premium, and it covers the care you’re more likely to use regularly.
Part B helps cover:

Doctor visits and outpatient care
Lab tests, X-rays, and preventive services
Some home health care
Services from physical and occupational therapists

Part B picks up where Part A leaves off — helping you cover medically necessary services and supplies outside of a hospital stay. Missing your Part B enrollment period can lead to lifetime penalties, so getting the timing right is important.

Part C Medicare Advantage

Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

These plans bundle your Part A and Part B coverage, and most include Part D (prescription drug coverage). Many also offer extras like:

Dental care
Vision care
Hearing aids
Gym memberships or wellness programs

If you like the idea of an “all-in-one” plan with potentially lower out-of-pocket costs, Medicare Advantage may be a good fit. I can compare plans in your area to see which works best for your needs and budget.

Part D Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Part D is also offered by private insurers and helps cover the cost of prescription medications.
Part D plans:

Require a monthly premium
Have a list of covered drugs (called a formulary)
Help protect against high medication costs now and in the future

If you don’t sign up for a Part D plan when you’re first eligible, you could face a late enrollment penalty — so timing is key. I can walk you through the options and make sure you’re covered.

Why Work With Me

Understanding Medicare can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m here to explain your choices in plain language, compare plans side-by-side, and make sure you have coverage that works for your health and your wallet.

Let’s talk about your Medicare options today — I’m just a call away.