What Is Medicare
What is Medicare?
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 Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Part A covers your inpatient hospital stay as well as care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home health care. Most people will qualify for Medicare Part A premium free. If you or your spouse has not paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, then you may need to pay an additional premium for Part A.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Part B covers your provider (doctor) and certain provider services such as outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Part B does have an additional premium. This premium can be deducted directly from your social security.
Who is Eligible for Medicare?
In order to be eligible for Medicare Health Plan, you must be eligible for Medicare. You must be a U.S. citizen. You must be 65 years or older or you must qualify due to ESRD or certain other disabilities. Most people who are 65 or older will automatically qualify. If you or your spouse has not paid into social security for at least 10 years, then you may need to pay an additional premium.