Assignment - Assignment is an agreement between you, Medicare, and your doctor other other healthcare provider. You "assign" Medicare to pay your doctor, or healthcare provider directly for their services. Most doctor, and healthcare providers accept assignment. If they do not accept assignment, they can charge you more than the Medicare Approved amount. But, there is a limit to what they can charge The limiting charge is 15% over the Medicare approved amount. Some Medigap policies will cover these "excess" charges if they occur.

Brand Name - Usually brand named prescriptions are covered under Tier 2 or 3 of Medicare Part D plans. The retail costs of brand named prescriptions is higher than those of generic prescriptions, so the associated co-pays for brand named prescriptions are higher. Brand-name drugs generally have patent protection for 20 years. This protection enables the pharmaceutical company that developed the drug to recoup the costs of the research and development. When the patent, other pharmaceutical companies can develop generic versions. For safety reasons, the U.S. FDA must approve all generic drugs.

Durable Medical Equipment - this part of Medicare Part B covers medical supplies such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, etc.

Extra Help - This is a program to help people with limited income and resources pay for their prescription drugs. It is also known as the "Low-income subsidy" or LIS. There is a page of requirements in your Medicare and You book. The income and resource limits change every year. The 2007 yearly income limit was $15,415 ($20,535 for a married person) The resource limit was $11,710 ($23,410 for married person). If you qualify, part or all of your Part D premium will be paid for, your co-pays will be decreased, and you will not have the Part-D donut hole.If you think you may qualify, then you should call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

General Enrollment Period (GEP) - from January 1–March 31 each year. If you didn't sign up for Medicare Part B when you first becase eligible, you can sign up during the GEP. Your coverage will begin on July 1. However, the cost of your Part B will go up 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn’t sign up for it, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (see below). You may have to pay this lateenrollment penalty as long as you have Part B.

Part A - Medicare Hospital Coverage - helps cover inpatient care in hospitals. This includes critical access hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facilities, Inpatient stays in a skilled nursing facility (not custodial or (long-term care), Hospice care services, Home health care services, Inpatient care in a Religious Nonmedical Health Care Institution. You generally do not pay for Medicare Part A, because you have already paid for it through withholdings from all of your paychecks over the years. As long as you worked and paid into the system for 40 quarters then you automatically receive Medicare Part A and will automatically receive your Card a month or so before your 65th birthday.

Part B - Medicare Doctor Coverage - helps cover medically-necessary services like doctors’ services, outpatient care, and other medical services that Part A doesn’t cover. Part B also covers some preventive services. If you aren’t sure if you have Part B, look at your Medicare card. If you have Part B, “MEDICAL (PART B)” will printed on your card. You must pay a monthly premium for Part B. For most people that premium for 2008 is $96.40. It is based on your income, so your monthly premium could be higher. There is a chart in the back of the "Medicare and You" book. You much have Medicare Parts A and B in order to purchase a Medicare Supplement or Advantage plan.

Part C - Medicare Advantage Plans - health plan options (like HMOs and PPOs) approved by Medicare and run by private companies. These plans are part of the Medicare Program and are sometimes called “Part C” or “MA plans.” Medicare pays an amount for your care every month to these private health plans. Medicare Advantage Plans must follow rules set by Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans aren’t supplemental insurance.

Part D - Medicare Prescription Drug Plan - can protect against future drug costs and give you access to drugs that you can use to stay physically and mentally healthy. To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a Medicare drug plan. Medicare drug plans are run by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Each plan can vary in cost and drugs covered. If you decide not to join a Medicare drug plan when you are first eligible, you may pay a late enrollment penalty if you choose to join later.

Penalty - Late Enrollment Penalty for Part D - If you join a Part D plan when you are first eligible, then you will not have a Late enrollment penalty. The late-enrollment penalty is calculated when you join a plan. The penalty is approximately 1% of the average Part D Premium (in 2008 this was $27.93) This penalty amount is added each month to your Medicare drug plan’s premium for as long as you have a plan.

Late Enrollment penalty for Part B - If you don’t sign up for Part B when you are first eligible, the cost for Part B may go up 10% for each full 12-month period that you could have had Part B, but didn’t sign up for it. If you delay taking Part B because you or your spouse (or a family member, if you are disabled) are working and have group health plan coverage based on that work, you may not have to pay the higher premium.

Private Fee For Service - A type of Medicare Advantage Plan. Unlike and HMO or PPO, PPFS plans do not have networks of physicians or hospitals. You can go to any doctor, hospital or healthcare service provider that understands and accepts the terms and conditions of the Medicare Advantage plan.