What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for:

• People aged 65 or older
• Certain younger people with disabilities
• People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant)

For more detailed information, visit the official Medicare.gov page.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance):

• Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
• Learn more about Medicare Part A here.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance):

• Covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
• Learn more about Medicare Part B here.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans):

• A type of Medicare health plan offered by private companies that contract with Medicare to provide Part A and Part B benefits.
• Learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans here.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage):

• Adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans.
• Learn more about Medicare Part D here.

Initial Enrollment Period:

• The first time you can sign up for Medicare, typically starting three months before you turn 65 and ending three months after the month you turn 65.

General Enrollment Period:

• If you didn't sign up when you were first eligible, you can sign up between January 1 and March 31 each year. Your coverage will start July 1.

Special Enrollment Period:

• If you miss your initial enrollment period, you may be able to sign up during a Special Enrollment Period.
• For more information on enrollment periods and how to sign up, visit the Medicare Enrollment page.

Understanding the costs associated with Medicare can be complex. Here’s a brief overview:

Medicare Part A:

• Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A because they paid Medicare taxes while working.
• If you don't qualify for premium-free Part A, you can purchase it. Learn more here.

Medicare Part B:

• Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. The amount can vary based on income. Learn more here.

Medicare Part C and D:

• Costs vary by plan. Check the specific plan details for more information.

For a detailed look at Medicare costs, visit the Medicare Costs page.

Medicare & You Handbook:

• An official government booklet that provides a comprehensive overview of Medicare. Download it here.

Medicare Plan Finder:

• Use this tool to compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Access it here.

Medicare Rights Center:

• A nonprofit organization that helps people with Medicare understand their rights and benefits. Visit their website here.Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.