Medicare

Medicare is our country's health insurance program for people age 65 or older, certain people with disabilities who are under age 65 and people of any age who have permanent kidney failure. It provides basic protection against the cost of health care, but it doesn't cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.

Medicare is financed by a portion of Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes, or payroll taxes, paid by workers and their employers. It also is financed in part by monthly premiums paid by beneficiaries. Medicare is the Federal government program that gives you health care coverage if you are 65 or older, or have a disability, no matter what your income.

Medicare is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B.

Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health and hospice care.

Medicare Part B covers almost all reasonable and necessary medical services, including doctors' services, laboratory and x-ray services, durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, hospital beds), ambulance services, outpatient hospital care, home health care, blood and medical supplies.

Eligibility

You are eligible for Medicare if:

You are 65 years or older, and you are a U.S. citizen or have been a permanent legal resident for 5 continuous years.