Medicare Basics

If you're turning 65 or retiring soon, there is something important you should do: Enroll in Medicare.

Looking for information about the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period? New to Medicare coverage and need to enroll for the first time? You’re in the right place!

Chances are you’ve heard these Medicare terms before: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Find out what they mean and what each part covers.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65+ or under 65 with certain disabilities. Many people think Medicare is free, but that is not the case. The following information will help you understand what you may pay for your Medicare coverage. 

Medicare Part A is also called hospital insurance. It helps cover the cost of inpatient hospital stays, inpatient skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. For most people, there is no Part A premium cost if they or their spouse worked for 10 years and paid Medicare taxes. If you don't qualify, you may have to pay a monthly premium. The following information will help you understand the costs for Medicare Part A and what is covered. 

Medicare Part B is sometimes called medical insurance. It helps pay for the cost for doctor visits, outpatient care, and some other medical services. Part B premium costs can change every year and can be different depending on your income. The following information will help explain the costs for Part B and what is covered.

Learn about Medicare Part D—what's covered, what costs you're responsible for, and the stages of coverage.

Medicare Part D helps cover prescription drug costs, but it’s important to understand all the expenses so you can plan ahead. The following information will help you understand the costs for Part D prescription drug coverage. 

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for programs that help reduce Medicare costs.

Deciding between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is important when you become eligible for Medicare. Knowing the difference between the two will help you choose a plan that is right for your needs and budget.

Explore the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans.

More and more people are choosing Medicare Advantage plans because they offer extra benefits and help manage costs. Learn more about how Medicare Advantage works, how it’s different from Original Medicare, the extra benefits you may receive, and why it may be a good choice for your health care. 

There are many types of Medicare Advantage plans. These include health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and Special Needs Plans (SNP). That’s why it is important to know the differences between plan types and their coverage when you are choosing a plan.

Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement insurance, is a type of private health insurance that helps cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
Learn how Medigap (Medicare Supplement) works.

Typically, your Medicare plan automatically renews each year. But if you’re not satisfied with the plan you have, you can take steps to change your coverage.

People often confuse Medicare with Medicaid because their names sound similar, but they are not the same. The two programs differ in several important ways. The following information will help you understand the difference between Medicare, a federal program for people over 65 or with certain disabilities; and Medicaid, a state-run program for low-income individuals and families.

The following information will help you understand who qualifies for Social Security disability, eligibility requirements, what Medicare covers, and Medicare disability eligibility requirements.

Finding the right Medicare Plan for you can be confusing. There are so many different options and rules. By understanding your choices, you can find a plan that meets your financial needs and helps you stay healthy. The following information can help you understand your options and make your decision easier.

Retiring before age 65 can be exciting, but it also has its challenges—especially when it comes to health insurance. The following information will walk you through the options available and help you understand the steps you can take to stay protected until you become eligible for Medicare.

Replacing your red, white, and blue Medicare card is easy—and it doesn’t cost you anything. The following information will help you understand when you should replace your Medicare card and how to request a replacement.