Understanding Medicare and what it covers

Medicare is the federal insurance program for people age 65 or older and for some people with certain illnesses or disabilities.

Did you know Medicare is made up of four parts? Each one covers various types of care and services. Learn more about the ABCs of Medicare.

You can apply for Medicare online at ssa.gov, or enroll at your local Social Security office.

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Enrolling in Medicare

For most people, the Medicare enrollment period opens three months before they turn 65 and ends three months after their birthday. For example, if your 65th birthday falls in May, you can join Medicare between February and August of that year.  

Depending on your situation, you may be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

Visit  medicare.gov for more detailed enrollment information.

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Getting to know the Medicare Advantage plan

You deserve a health plan that helps you make the most of retirement. That’s why Southern California Edison and Aetna have teamed up to design a health plan just for you.

With Aetna Medicare Advantage, you get:

  • Predictable, lower costs than your current plan and a yearly limit on out-of-pocket expenses
     
  • Original Medicare Parts A and B coverage — so you’ll continue to pay your Part B premium
     
  • Services to complement your doctors’ care — at no extra cost to you
     
  • Continued access to your doctors — use any provider who accepts Medicare and agrees to accept the Aetna plan before treating you
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What are the parts of Medicare?

Knowing the ABCs of Medicare can help you choose the right plan for you.  

Parts A + B = Original Medicare.  

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Part A covers: 

  • Inpatient care in a hospital 

  • Inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility (not custodial or long-term care)  

  • Hospice care 

  • Home health care  

 

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Part B covers: 

  • Medically necessary doctors' services 

  • Outpatient care 

  • Home health services 

  • Durable medical equipment and other medical services  

  • Many preventive services

 

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Part C – Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans typically offer more benefits than Original Medicare. They include Medicare Part A, Part B and may include Part D prescription drug coverage. In general, Medicare Advantage:  

  • Includes all Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) benefits and services 

  • Usually includes Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) as part of the plan 

  • Is run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies, including Aetna  

  • May include extra benefits and services not covered by Original Medicare

 

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Part D – Prescription drug plan*

Part D prescription drug coverage is available on its own or as part of many Medicare Advantage plans. Part D plans: 

  • Are often included in Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans 

  • Cover your medicines, but not medical expenses 

  • Can be purchased to add drug coverage to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap)

 

 

*The Medicare Part D information above is educational only. Your Part D coverage is provided by a different carrier.