Medicare Basics
Everything you need to know about Medicare coverage
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant).
The Four Parts of Medicare
Part A - Hospital Insurance
Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
Part B - Medical Insurance
Covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
Part C - Medicare Advantage
An alternative to Original Medicare offered by private companies that contract with Medicare.
Part D - Prescription Drugs
Adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans.
Who is Eligible for Medicare?
- ✓People 65 or older
- ✓People under 65 with certain disabilities
- ✓People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
- ✓People with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
Important Enrollment Periods
Initial Enrollment Period
The 7-month period that begins 3 months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after.
General Enrollment Period
January 1 - March 31 each year for those who missed their Initial Enrollment Period.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 - December 7 each year to make changes to your Medicare coverage.
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