People 65 and older often look forward to qualifying for Medicare. It can be a great resource in your retirement years. With lots of choices, the details can sometimes seem overwhelming.

That's why the TruStage Medicare Program works with Humana and your credit union to help make getting answers easy. Just call for Medicare guidance from well-trained, licensed insurance representatives at no charge or obligation whatsoever.

Want expert advice now?

The TruStage Medicare Program and Humana can help.
Give us a call at 1-877-774-8570
(TTY 711)
Sept. 10, 2012–Feb. 14, 2013
8 a.m.–8 p.m., seven days a week
Feb. 15, 2013–Sept. 9, 2013
8 a.m.–8 p.m., Monday through Friday

Your credit union offers the TruStage Medicare Program, administered by Humana, to help you make the right Medicare choices. Humana is a Fortune 100 company that's been around for 50 years and insures more than 10 million people, including more than 4.3 million Medicare Advantage and stand-alone prescription drug plans.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older (and under age 65 with certain disabilities). It's administered by the government of the United States. Original Medicare consists of Parts A and B.

Part A helps cover in-patient hospital stays and some skilled nursing facility rehabilitation time. Part B helps cover visits to your doctor, diagnostic tests and laboratory work, some ambulance expenses, and some medical equipment like walkers and wheelchairs. You usually have to pay a deductible and coinsurance when you use Part A and Part B services.  That's why many people buy coverage that provides benefits beyond those provided by Original Medicare.

Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, gives you inpatient and outpatient benefits through private companies. These plans often include extra benefits and services not included in Original Medicare.

Part D is the optional prescription drug coverage program that provides prescription drug benefits to all people with Medicare.

What types of products can the TruStage Medicare Program and Humana offer?

Humana offers three types of Medicare products:
1. Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)
2. Prescription Drug Plans (PDP)/Medicare Part D
3. Medicare Supplement

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C)?

Humana's Medicare Advantage plan is ideal for those who want predictable monthly expenses. This plan offers coverage above the benefits of Original Medicare and can provide you with the security of knowing that your primary medical needs may be met at predictable costs. Medicare Advantage plans cover most of the costs you'd have to pay for medical expenses, but coverage is limited to Medicare-approved charges. Some Medicare Advantage plans also come with a prescription drug plan.

What is a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP)/(Medicare Part D)?

In most areas, Humana offers three stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs) to help you balance your health needs and budget. Remember, "stand-alone" means they're separate from your Medicare coverage. Stand-alone PDPs let you add drug coverage to your Original Medicare coverage and Medicare Supplement.

What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Medicare Supplement Insurance is private health insurance designed to supplement Medicare Parts A and B. It will help pay some of the health care costs not covered like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Medicare Supplement plans are regulated by Federal and state laws. In most states the plans are standardized and identified by letters. Each standardized plan must offer the same basic benefits, no matter which insurance company sells it. Cost is usually the only difference.  Some companies may offer additional innovative benefits if approved in your state.

Where can I learn more about Medicare?

Here are some links we think may be helpful:

• Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services
  Part of the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, which governs Medicare
  www.cms.hhs.gov
• Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc.
  A national non-profit, non-partisan organization that provides education, advocacy, and legal assistance to help elders and people with disabilities obtain Medicare and necessary health care.
  www.medicareadvocacy.org
• Medicare Interactive
  Part of the Medicare Rights Center, a national non-profit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy.
  www.medicareinteractive.org/page2.php?topic=about
• Kaiser Family Foundation
  A non-partisan source of facts, information, and analysis for policymakers, the media, the healthcare community, and the public. Contains product information to help people understand their Medicare benefits.
  www.kff.org