Learn How Medicare Works
What is Medicare?
Medicare is health insurance for:
- People 65 and older
- People under 65 with certain disabilities
- People of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
(Permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant)
What are the different parts of Medicare?
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover:
- Inpatient care in hospitals
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice care
- Home health care
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover:
- Services from doctors and other health care providers
- Outpatient care
- Home health care
- Durable medical equipment
- Some preventive services
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage):
- Run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies
- Includes all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B
- Usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan
- May include extra benefits and services for an extra cost
Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage):
- Run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies
- Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs
- May help lower your prescription drug costs and help protect against higher costs in the future
Source: “Medicare & You”. Department of Health and Human Services-USA. 2013: Sect 1, 13.
What are my Medicare coverage choices?
There are two main ways to get your Medicare coverage — Original Medicare (A&B) or Medicare Advantage Plan. Use these steps to help you decide which way to get your coverage:
Also see our blog posts on the topic of Medicare.