Medicare

Summary

Medicare is the U.S. government’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Some people under age 65 can qualify for Medicare, too. They include those with disabilities, permanent kidney failure, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Medicare helps with the cost of health care. It does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. The program has four parts:

• Part A is hospital insurance
• Part B helps pay for medical services that Part A doesn’t cover
• Part C is called Medicare Advantage. If you have Parts A and B, you can choose this option to receive all of your health care through a provider organization, like an HMO.
• Part D is prescription drug coverage. It helps pay for some medicines.

Find an Expert

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Medicare.gov Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Medicare: Find and Compare Health Care Providers Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Medicare: Talk to Someone Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Related Issues

• Claims and Appeals (Medicare) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Costs in the coverage gap Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Drug Coverage (Part D) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Drug Plan Coverage Rules Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Inpatient hospital care Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Medicare and Other Health Benefits: Your Guide to Who Pays First Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Medicare Hospice Benefits Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Your Medicare Coverage: Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Coverage Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Your Medicare Coverage: Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Therapy Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Health Check Tools

• Eligibility and Premium Calculator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Start Here

• Medicare Social Security Administration
• Medicare and You Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• What Is Medicare? Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• What Medicare Covers Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Your Medicare Benefits Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Prevention and Risk Factors

• Preventive Visit and Yearly Wellness Exams Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Journal Articles

• Medicare

Patient Handouts

• Understanding Medicare Medical Encyclopedia