Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:

• People who are 65 or older

• Certain younger people with disabilities

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

 

Medicare help cover specific services:

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

• Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)

Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines).

With Medicare, you have options in how you get your coverage. Once you enroll, you’ll need to decide how you’ll get your Medicare coverage. There are 2 main ways:

Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage

Each plan can vary in cost and specific drugs covered, but must give at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare.

Plans have different monthly premiums. You’ll also have other costs throughout the year in a Medicare drug plan. How much you pay for each drug depends on which plan you choose