Medicare is a federal health insurance program for U.S. adults age 65 or older and younger people who receive disability benefits.
Medicare is the federal government health insurance program for Americans age 65 and older and younger people living with certain illnesses or disabilities. Medicare has four parts — Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D — that offer specific coverage and vary in cost :
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Part A covers hospital care and related services.
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Part B covers doctor appointments and outpatient medical care.
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Part C (Medicare Advantage) covers the same benefits of Parts A and B but is offered by private insurers.
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Part D covers prescription drugs.
Here’s what you should know about Medicare coverage and how it works.
Who is eligible for Medicare?
You’re eligible for Medicare if:
- You’re 65 or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- You’re younger and living with a qualifying disability or condition, such as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
People who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) usually become eligible for Medicare after a two-year waiting period. Those with ESRD (permanent kidney failure) are enrolled based on specific kidney and dialysis requirements, and those with ALS are eligible the month disability benefits begin.
What is Original Medicare?
Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, which are managed by the federal government. People can see any doctor that accepts Medicare and only a few services might require preauthorization.
How Original Medicare works:
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It includes Medicare Part A and Part B.
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You must buy Part D prescription drug coverage separately, as well as Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), if you want the coverage provided by those plans.
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There is no out-of-pocket limit unless you have a Medigap plan to help cover your costs.