People are living longer and we must take steps necessary to retain our health and make informed health care decisions. These steps might include understanding your medications, exercise classes or utilizing healthy alternative programs, for instance participating in an asthma program, diabetes education, heart disease education, smoking cessation, or programs for other chronic conditions such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), chronic bronchitis or emphysema. It's important to have regular checkups, eye exams, and to undertake preventive care, such as keeping track of your necessary immunizations for influenza or pneumonia, tests and screenings, such as cholesterol, colorectal and osteoporosis screening, mammogram and pap smear testing, eating right, and exercising. Staying healthy is the goal.

Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans are federal health insurance plans. Both plans are available for US citizens and retirees, 65 years of age and older and for under age 65 with certain disabilities. Medicare is also available for any age individual with End-Stage Renal Disease.

Parts of Medicare:

• Medicare Part A: This is the hospital insurance portion which helps cover your inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice and home health care under certain conditions.

• Medicare Part B: This is the medical insurance portion which covers "medically necessary" services and some "preventive services," such as doctors' visits and outpatient care.

• Medicare Part C: This is the "Medicare Advantage Plan." A Medicare Advantage Plan is a combination of Part A, Part B and often Part D (the prescription drug coverage), which is managed by Medicare-approved, private insurance companies. These plans must be equal to or better than traditional Medicare and can charge different co-pays, coinsurance or deductibles.

• Medicare Part D: This is the prescription drug Plan which helps cover the costs of prescription drugs.

Original Medicare Plan:

At age 65, you will be enrolled in this Plan unless you decide to choose another option.

1. 1.

   Original Medicare is a fee-for-service plan whereby you pay a fee each time you receive a service. You are issued a red, white and blue Medicare card. Individuals participate in Part A, Part B and often Part D.

2. 2.

   You can go to any physician, hospital or facility that accepts Medicare and is taking on new patients.

3. 3.

   There are deductibles before Medicare pays its share (usually 80%) and you pay the coinsurance (usually 20%) for Part B covered services.