Who is eligible for Medicare?
Medicare is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). People 65 and older, people under 65 with certain disabilities and people of any age with end-stage
renal disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant) are Medicare eligible.
Learn more about Medicare
To be eligible for Sharp Direct Advantage®, you must:
- Be a Medicare Beneficiary with Part A and enrolled in Part B. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.
- Be a resident of San Diego County
You must enroll in Sharp Direct Advantage during one of our enrollment periods.
Enrollment Periods
What Medicare options are available?
Prescription Drug Plans (PDP)
Covers prescription drugs and is offered by Medicare-contracted insurance and/or private companies. The specific type of prescription drug coverage that you will get will depend on the type of plan you choose to enroll in. These plans compliment Medigap plans but are not compatible with Medicare Advantage plans like Sharp Direct Advantage.
Medicare Supplements (aka Medigap)
Medigap plans are designed to help cover the costs the Original Medicare doesn't cover. They may have high monthly premiums and do not cover Part D prescription drugs. Medigap plans provide the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare is Part A and Part B. Typically you pay 20% of the cost of any service rendered. There is no upper limit on your maximum out-of-pocket costs and deductibles apply. Original Medicare provides the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide.
Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare Advantage plans combine Part A, Part B and usually Part D into one comprehensive plans. They are offered by private insurers who define the provider network for the plan. Additional benefits like vision and hearing coverage and a gym membership may be included. Monthly premiums may be as low as $0 per month. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.