Medicare is a federally-sponsored health insurance program for people age 65 and older; people younger than 65 with a disability; people diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease; and those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Medicare provides coverage for hospital care (Part A), medical services (Part B) and prescription drugs (Part D).
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, offers beneficiaries the option of receiving their Medicare benefits through private health plans.
In this section:
-
Medicare: An Overview
- Part A: Hospital Insurance
- Part B: Medical Insurance
- Part C: Medicare Advantage
- Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
- Chart Summary of Medicare Benefits & Cost-Sharing for 2010
- [ Podcast ] Medicare: An Overview — English and Spanish MP3s
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Medicare Eligibility
Eligibility requirements for Medicare, and how they may change if you move or travel outside the United States. -
Enrolling in Medicare
- Part A (Hospital Insurance) & Part B (Medical Insurance)
- Part C – Medicare Advantage
- Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage
- Summary of Enrollment Periods for Medicare Parts A, B, C & D
- Special Election Periods (SEPs) for Parts C & D
- [ Podcast ] Medicare: Fall Enrollment — English and Spanish MP3s
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Medicare Assignment for Original Fee-for-Service Medicare
Medicare assignment and provider charge limits for beneficiaries. -
Resources
Helpful websites that offer basic Medicare information.
Related Links
- New-to-Medicare Frequently Asked Questions — Helpful questions, answers and resources for assistance on items to know and actions to take when becoming eligible for Medicare.
- Medicare Fraud and Abuse — Fraud scenarios, how to prevent fraud and where to report suspected cases of fraud.
- News about Medicare Basics