Medicare Basics

Before choosing the Medicare Advantage plan that's best for you, it’s important to understand the basics of Original Medicare. Here you’ll find more information about the enrollment process, the four parts of Medicare, and prescription drug coverage. This information is also useful if you are helping others choose or use their Medicare plan.

You can also use our Medicare 101 booklet as an easy reference guide to the basics of Medicare.

View the Booklet

Medicare Eligibility

If you're turning 65 or retiring soon, there is something important you should do: Enroll in Medicare.
Find Out If You Are Eligible

When Can I Enroll?

Looking for information about the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period? New to Medicare coverage and need to enroll for the first time? You’re in the right place!
Learn When You Can Enroll

The Four Parts of Medicare

Chances are you’ve heard these Medicare terms before: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Find out what they mean and what each part covers.
Learn the Four Parts of Medicare

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65+ or under 65 with certain disabilities. Many people think Medicare is free, but that is not the case. The following information will help you understand what you may pay for your Medicare coverage. 
Learn About Medicare Costs

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost?

Medicare Part A is also called hospital insurance. It helps cover the cost of inpatient hospital stays, inpatient skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. For most people, there is no Part A premium cost if they or their spouse worked for 10 years and paid Medicare taxes. If you don't qualify, you may have to pay a monthly premium. The following information will help you understand the costs for Medicare Part A and what is covered. 
Learn About Medicare Part A Costs

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost?

Medicare Part B is sometimes called medical insurance. It helps pay for the cost for doctor visits, outpatient care, and some other medical services. Part B premium costs can change every year and can be different depending on your income. The following information will help explain the costs for Part B and what is covered.
Learn About Medicare Part B Costs

Medicare Prescription Coverage

Learn about Medicare Part D—what's covered, what costs you're responsible for, and the stages of coverage.
Learn About Medicare Prescription Coverage

How Much Does Medicare Part D Cost?

Medicare Part D helps cover prescription drug costs, but it’s important to understand all the expenses so you can plan ahead. The following information will help you understand the costs for Part D prescription drug coverage. 
Learn About Medicare Part D Costs

Help with Medicare Costs

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for programs that help reduce Medicare costs.
Learn More About Help with Medicare Costs

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare

Deciding between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is important when you become eligible for Medicare. Knowing the difference between the two will help you choose a plan that is right for your needs and budget.
Learn More About Advantage vs. Original Medicare

Medicare Advantage vs. Supplement Plans

Explore the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans.
Learn More and Compare

Medicare Advantage Benefits

More and more people are choosing Medicare Advantage plans because they offer extra benefits and help manage costs. Learn more about how Medicare Advantage works, how it’s different from Original Medicare, the extra benefits you may receive, and why it may be a good choice for your health care. 
Learn More About Help with Medicare Costs

Compare Types of Medicare Advantage Plans

There are many types of Medicare Advantage plans. These include health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and Special Needs Plans (SNP). That’s why it is important to know the differences between plan types and their coverage when you are choosing a plan.
Compare Types of Medicare Advantage Plans

What Is Medigap?

Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement insurance, is a type of private health insurance that helps cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
Learn how Medigap (Medicare Supplement) works.
Learn more About Medigap

Medicare Renewal

Typically, your Medicare plan automatically renews each year. But if you’re not satisfied with the plan you have, you can take steps to change your coverage.
Learn About Renewing Medicare Plans

Medicare vs. Medicaid

People often confuse Medicare with Medicaid because their names sound similar, but they are not the same. The two programs differ in several important ways. The following information will help you understand the difference between Medicare, a federal program for people over 65 or with certain disabilities; and Medicaid, a state-run program for low-income individuals and families.
Learn the Differences Between Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare and Disabilities

The following information will help you understand who qualifies for Social Security disability, eligibility requirements, what Medicare covers, and Medicare disability eligibility requirements.
Understanding Medicare and Disability Insurance

How to Choose a Medicare Plan

Finding the right Medicare Plan for you can be confusing. There are so many different options and rules. By understanding your choices, you can find a plan that meets your financial needs and helps you stay healthy. The following information can help you understand your options and make your decision easier.
Learn How to Choose a Medicare Plan

Early Retiree Health Insurance

Retiring before age 65 can be exciting, but it also has its challenges—especially when it comes to health insurance. The following information will walk you through the options available and help you understand the steps you can take to stay protected until you become eligible for Medicare.
Learn About Health Insurance for Early Retirees

How to Get a Medicare Replacement Card

Replacing your red, white, and blue Medicare card is easy—and it doesn’t cost you anything. The following information will help you understand when you should replace your Medicare card and how to request a replacement. 
Learn How to Get a Medicare Replacement Card

Medicare resources

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Additional Documents and Forms
Medicare Complaint Form
Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid
Request a Provider Directory or Plan Materials
Medication Therapy Management
Language Assistance
UPMC for Life Coverage Criteria

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call 1-866-400-5077 (TTY: 711) for more information. Out-of-network/Noncontracted providers are under no obligation to treat UPMC for Life members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost sharing that applies to out-of-network services. Other physicians/providers are available in the UPMC for Life network.

This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our customer service number at 1-877-539-3080 (TTY: 711).

UPMC for Life has a contract with Medicare to provide HMO, HMO D-SNP, and PPO plans. The HMO D-SNP plans have a contract with the PA State Medical Assistance program. Enrollment in UPMC for Life depends on contract renewal. UPMC for Life is a product of and operated by UPMC Health Plan Inc., UPMC Health Network Inc., UPMC Health Benefits Inc., UPMC for You Inc., and UPMC Health Coverage Inc.

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Last Updated: 1/5/2026