Medicare Definitions
Ancillary policies
This phrase refers to privately-offered plans outside of the Medicare basics (Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage). Ancillary plans can include Medicare Supplements, cancer policies, stand-alone dental or vision, etc.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. Anyone eligible for Medicare can enroll during this time.
ANOC (Annual Notice of Change)
Annual letter from your plan telling you if any costs or benefits have changed. This will arrive in early fall so that you can decide whether or not you want to make a change during the Annual Enrollment Period that begins in October.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Local agencies that can offer you services such as “meals on wheels,” help you find home health providers, and even provide support to your family and caregivers.
COBRA
Requires your employer to let you keep your healthcare coverage for a limited time after you are fired to help you avoid a lapse in coverage.
Coinsurance
The amount of the medical service that you are responsible for.
Co-payment
The fee you pay upon visiting a doctor, buying a prescription, etc.
CSNP (Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan)
A type of Medicare Advantage plan for those with a number of qualifying conditions.
Deductible
The amount you have to pay before your coverage begins.
Dependents
This does not apply to Medicare. Traditionally, dependents are the people who are “dependent” on you and your health care plan. This could be a child, spouse, etc.
Donut Hole
A that gap in prescription drug coverage you may find in your Part D or MAPD (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug) plan.
Durable Medical Equipment
Prescribable healthcare devices that Medicare Part B provides coverage for. This includes medically necessary items like crutches, wheelchairs, infusion pumps, blood sugar monitors, etc.
Extra Help (LIS, Low-Income Subsidies)
Program to help eligible Medicare beneficiaries save money on prescription drugs.
Federal Poverty Level
Every year, the government releases a new chart which determines eligibility for government programs like Medicaid (not Medicare) and food stamps. It is based on income and number of household members.
Formulary
The list of drugs that your plan covers. Usually separated by tier according to cost.
General Enrollment Period
f you miss your Initial Enrollment Period, this is when you can sign up for Medicare. It runs from January 1 through March 31 and is only for first-time enrollees.
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) Plan
A form of Medicare Advantage with which you are required to select one primary physician who you turn to first for all your healthcare needs. That doctor can refer you to specialists if necessary.
Hospice
Pain management, counseling, hospital care, and more for terminally ill patients. Included in Medicare Part B coverage.
HSA (Health Savings Account)
Bank account installed by your insurance company. You can put tax-free money into this account on a regular basis (like a basic savings account) and can use the money for healthcare expenses.
Initial Enrollment Period
Starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after. This is the time that most people will enroll in Medicare.
In-network
When a provider (doctor, hospital, pharmacy, etc.) is in-network, he or she accepts your plan and you will be covered when you see that provider.
ISNP (Institutionalized Special Needs Plan)
A type of Medicare Advantage plan for those living in nursing home institutions.
Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)
A privately-owned Medicare plan that covers everything that Original Medicare includes but is allowed to bundle in additional benefits like prescription drugs, dental, vision, fitness, etc. You may also see the term “MAPD,” referring to Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Part A
Part of Original Medicare. Covers hospital-related services.
Medicare Part B
Part of Original Medicare. Covers doctor-related services.
Medicare Savings Programs
Eligible Medicare beneficiaries can save money on premiums, copayments, and deductibles with this program.
Medicare Supplements
A separate, private insurance plan that can help you pay your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments. This is not a Medicare replacement.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
Runs from January 1 through March 31. Only for switching between Medicare Advantage options.
Out-Of-Pocket Limit
Some plans place this maximum dollar amount that you can spend out of your own pocket on your Medicare. Usually, if you surpass your out-of-pocket limit, your Medicare-covered services will be 100% covered.
PDP (Part D)
Privately-owned prescription drug plan. Only includes covers for drugs.
Policyholder
The plan is under this person’s name.
POS (Point-Of-Service) Plan
A type of Medicare Advantage plan with which you will have a small network of providers (doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, etc.) to choose from.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) Plan
A type of Medicare Advantage plan with which you can see any doctor, but some will be preferred and will be much cheaper for you.
Premium
The regular payment you are responsible for to keep your insurance plan. This is usually a monthly fee.
Silver & Fit:
A private fitness program that provides gym memberships and classes. Included in some Medicare Advantage plans.
SilverSneakers
Another private fitness program that provides gym memberships and classes. Included in some Medicare Advantage plans.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
People with special circumstances can enroll in Medicare plans outside of the traditional enrollment periods.
Special Needs Plans
Medicare Advantage plans for Medicare beneficiaries with special financial or health care needs. Includes QMB, QMB+, SLMB, QI, QDWI, FBDE, ISNP, and CSNP.
TRICARE
Health benefits for active duty and retired service members and their families.
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