What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for:

• People age 65 or older

• Certain younger people with disabilities

• People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), which is permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare helps cover many important health services through different parts:

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice services, and some home health care.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
Helps pay for prescription medications, including many recommended vaccines and shots.

Your Medicare Coverage Options

When you enroll in Medicare, you’ll choose how to receive your benefits. There are two main ways:

• Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

• Medicare Advantage (Part C) — offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare

All Medicare plans must meet federal coverage standards, but costs and covered medications can vary.

Understanding Costs

Medicare plans may have different monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. What you pay for medications and services depends on the plan you choose.