What is Medicare?
Medicare is our universal health insurance for people 65 or older, people under 65 with certain disabilities, and people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease. For more details, see our Medicare Overview page.
When am I eligible for Medicare?
Medicare coverage begins the first day of the month you turn 65, but for many people, the enrollment process begins several months prior. Find out more information about when to enroll on our page Turning 65.
Choosing a Medicare Plan
When it comes to Medicare, there are a number of options:
Part A
The great majority of citizens in the United States receive Medicare Part A, or hospital insurance, automatically. However, it’s important to understand the details of eligibility and coverage. See What is Medicare Part A to learn more.
Part B
Medicare Part B, also known as Medical Insurance, helps cover medically necessary doctors’ services, outpatient care, home health services, durable medical equipment, and other medical services. Unlike Medicare Part A, Part B has a premium associated with it. For more information about Part B payments and coverage, see our page What is Medicare Part B.
Part D
Medicare Part D, which helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, is run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. To learn more about prescription drug plans, including Medicare Advantage Plans with prescription drug coverage (MA-PDs), visit our page What is Medicare Part D.
Medicare Advantage
A Medicare Advantage Plan, like an HMO or PPO, is a way to get your Medicare benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare, and Medicare pays these companies to cover your Medicare benefits. See more at Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans.
Medicare Supplements
A Medicare Supplement policy is health insurance sold by private insurance companies to fill gaps in Original Medicare coverage. Supplements can help pay your share of the costs of Medicare‐covered services. To learn more about these plans (most states have 10 to choose from), visit our page Medicare Supplement.
