Medicare is a health insurance plan offered by the US government to everyone over the age of 65, people who have chronic kidney disease, and people who are disabled. Unfortunately, Medicare is very complicated and it can be difficult for seniors to understand their options and select the right health insurance plan for them. Here are some little-known facts about Medicare:

1. Traditional Medicare isn’t your only option
Since health insurance in the US is tied to employment, most people think that once you retire, your only option for health insurance is traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, such as United AARP Medicare. However, there is another option. If you don’t qualify for premium-free part A, you can sign up for a plan on the ACA, and if you qualify, you will receive premium subsidies. Which option is right for you (in terms of cost and what it covers) depends on each individual’s circumstances.

2. Medicare encompasses several parts
There isn’t just one Medicare. It has multiple parts, each with its own qualifications, premiums, deductibles, copays, and extents of coverage. Very briefly, there are:

Part A, covers in-hospital care.
Part B, covers outpatient care.
Part C, also called Medicare Advantage.
Part D, covers prescription medications.

Medigap or Medicare Supplement, covers the “gaps” in Medicare coverage.
Supplemental vision, hearing, and dental plans.

3. Medicare doesn’t cover eyes or teeth
One of the most surprising things about Medicare is that its dental and vision coverage is limited. Thus, it doesn’t cover your yearly eye exam, your corrective lenses, your dental check-ups and cleanings, or your dental work. You have to purchase supplemental insurance plans to cover these important parts of healthcare. Or you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that covers them.

4. Medicare doesn’t cover long term care
Many seniors end up having to move into some type of assisted living, such as a nursing home. Medicare does not cover assisted living situations or any type of long-term care. Seniors will have to purchase an additional policy to cover long-term care. For example, United Healthcare Medicare offers a supplemental plan that covers assisted living situations, either in your own home or in a nursing home.

5. Medicare costs money, and it costs more the more money you make
Another fact that many people are astounded by is that Medicare is not free. Anyone who has worked full-time for most or part of their adult life will probably qualify for premium-free Part A, but that leaves the premiums, deductibles, and copays for all of the other parts. Your premium for Part B depends on your income; the higher your income, the more you pay. If your income is low enough to qualify, you can also get subsidies to cover part of your other Medicare expenses.

6. Medicare offers a free annual wellness exam
Medicare does cover a free annual wellness visit. This is a yearly meeting with your primary care provider to go over all of the things you can and should do to prevent healthcare issues in the upcoming year and to discuss any health concerns you may have. This visit is covered under Part B, but it is not included in your deductible. Laboratory tests, imaging examinations, and a physical examination, if performed as part of the wellness visit, are charged to Part B like they normally would be.