Medicare

Choosing the right Medicare plan involves navigating available options and deciding on the coverage that best suits your needs. Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP) offers the residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula one Medicare-Medicaid option from our local, Upper Peninsula-based organization.

Medicare 101

Brand new to Medicare? Learn the basics and understand your options by reviewing the resources below or by downloading our Medicare Guide.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a health insurance program that started in 1965. It helps people pay for medical care. You may have paid into it through your job and Social Security.
You can get Medicare if you:
- Are 65 years old or older
- Are under 65 and have certain disabilities
Have serious kidney problems and need dialysis or a kidney transplant

When Can I Sign Up?

There are different times when you can join:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):

Starts three months before your 65th birthday
Includes your birthday month
Ends three months after your birthday

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP):

Happens every year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7
You can:
- Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Add, drop, or change your drug plan (Part D)
- Change your Medicare Advantage plan

Special Enrollment Period (SEP): You may qualify if:

You move to a new area
You get Extra Help paying with drug costs
Your plan stops working with Medicare
You gain or lose Medicaid

Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP):

From Jan. 1 to March 31
For people who missed their first chance or do not qualify for SEP

What are the parts of Medicare?

Part A – Hospital Care

Staying in the hospital
Skilled nursing care
Hospice care
Some home health care

Part B – Medical Care

Doctor visits
Outpatient care (not staying overnight)
Physical therapy and check-ups
Medical equipment like walkers or wheelchairs

Part C – Medicare Advantage

Offered by private companies like Upper Peninsula Health Plan (UPHP)
Combines Part A and Part B, and often includes Part D
May offer extra benefits like:
- Dental, vision, and hearing care
- Wellness programs
- Over-the-counter items
You must have Parts A and B and live in the plan’s area
Some types called Special Needs Plans (SNP) are made for people with specific needs, like:
- When you have both Medicare and Medicaid
- When you live in a long-term care facility
- When you have chronic disease

Part D – Prescription Drugs

Helps pay for medicine
Offered by private companies
Can be added to Original Medicare or Medicare Supplement plans
Often included in Medicare Advantage plans

Special Needs Plan (SNP) from UPHP

For people who:
- Live in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- Get full Medicaid benefits
Offers:
- Personalized care
- Doctors who understand your condition
- Coverage for the services and medicine you need
- Extra benefits not always covered by Medicare