How does Medicare work and does it cover what I need?
Learn About Medicare
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older, certain people under 65 with disabilities, and people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). Medicare helps cover your hospital and medical expenses: Part A (Hospital Insurance)—helps cover hospital care, skilled nursing care, and more, Part B (Medical Insurance)—helps cover doctors’ services, outpatient care, and more. Because you’re getting Social Security (or Railroad Retirement Board) benefits, you automatically get Medicare when you turn 65 or get your 25th month of disability benefits (if you’re under 65).
What does Part A help cover?
- Inpatient care in hospitals
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice care
- Home health care
What does Part B help cover?
- Services from doctors and other health care providers
- Outpatient care
- Home health care
- Durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment)
- Many preventive services (like screenings, shots or vaccines, and yearly “Wellness” visits)
Are you ready for Medicare? Go here for details about the program and getting started with Medicare.