Medicare Basics

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:

1. 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

2. Medicare Eligibility

   Eligibility requirements for Medicare, and how they may change if you move or travel outside the United States.

3. 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
• When You Can Join, Leave or Switch Medicare Advantage Plans
• [ Podcast ] Medicare: Fall Enrollment — English and Spanish MP3s

4. Medicare Assignment for Original Fee-for-Service Medicare

   Medicare assignment and provider charge limits for beneficiaries.

5. Resources

   Helpful websites that offer basic Medicare information.