Get Started with Medicare

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities or people with permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant. To help decide what coverage is right for you, choose how you get your medical coverage and see how you may be eligible to get help with your Medicare costs.

Coverage options

There are different parts of Medicare that 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 C (Medicare Advantage Plans)

Medicare Part C is a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all your Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organizations, Preferred Provider Organizations, Private Fee-for-Service Plans, Special Needs Plans and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans.

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, most Medicare services are covered through the plan and aren’t paid for under Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)

Part D adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. These plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage that follows the same rules as Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

For more Medicare coverage choices, eligibility requirements and to apply, visit Medicare.gov.