Get Started
MENU

Glossary

Please note that the definitions included in this Glossary reflect the manner in which these terms are used on Medicare in general.

Letter icon
Also known as “Comfort Care” when people with terminal illnesses focus on relieving their symptoms instead of trying to cure them. Palliative care assists with multiple areas such as physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
A procedure for women in which cells are removed from the cervix and the area around it so that it can be looked at under a microscope for signs of cervical cancer or cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer.
Also called “hospital insurance”, it is part of the Medicare program that pays for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility (SNF) stays, and hospice care that are medically necessary.
Also called "medical insurance", it is part of the Medicare program that pays for medically necessary doctor visits, preventive care, hospital outpatient care, durable medical equipment (DME), lab tests, x-rays, mental health services, and home health care and ambulance services.
Also called “Medicare Advantage”, the Medicare program allows you to get coverage from a private health plan that has a contract with the federal government. All Medicare Advantage Plans must offer at least the same benefits as Original Medicare (Parts A and B), but they can do so with different rules, costs, and limits on coverage.
Also called “Prescription Drug Plan”, the Medicare program allows you to get coverage from a private health plan that has a contract with the federal government. Part D Plans offer coverage as either a stand-alone plan for people with Original Medicare or Medicare Supplement Insurance or can be included with a Medicare Advantage Plan.
A medical professional who accepts Medicare and accepts Medicare’s approved amount for covered services for patients, also known as “accept assignment”. They can't charge you more than what Medicare has authorized.
Religious authorities (ministers, rabbis, etc.) offer patients counseling or solace.
A pharmaceutical manufacturer sponsored program that provides financial assistance for select medications to beneficiaries. This program is not insurance and does not coordinate coverage with the Part D program.
You have four options for paying your Medicare Part A and/or B bill: debit or credit card, mailed check, mailed money order or electronic funds transfer from a checking or savings account.

Disclaimer

This glossary explains terms in the Medicare program, but it isn't a legal document. The official Medicare program provisions are found in the relevant laws, regulations, and rulings.

(855) 922-5051 TTY 711

We’re here Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm Central.

Calling will connect you with a licensed insurance agent. Note that our agents are not commissioned sales people.

Need Help? Call Customer Support.

1-855-922-5051  |  TTY 711

We’re here Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm Central.