Medicare basics

Medicare is a federally-sponsored health insurance program for people 65 years of age or older, people younger than 65 with a disability, and people with kidney failure. It provides coverage for hospital care (Part A), medical services (Part B) and prescription drugs (Part D). Information on Medicare, its costs, eligibility, enrollment, and prevention tips for Medicare fraud are discussed below.

In this section:

1. Medicare: an Overview – Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, and Medicare benefits and costs for 2008.
2. 2008 Medicare premiums, deductibles and coinsurance – Easy-to-read, printable chart outlining Medicare costs for 2008.
3. Medicare eligibility – Who is eligible for Medicare, Medicare and supplemental coverage eligibility if you move or travel outside of the U.S.
4. Enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B.
5. Enrolling in Medicare Parts C and D.
6. Medicare assignment for original fee-for-service Medicare – Medicare ‘assignment’ and provider charge limits for Medicare beneficiaries.
7. Medicare fraud and abuse – Fraud scenarios, how to prevent fraud, and where to report suspected cases of fraud and abuse.
8. Resources – Helpful websites for basic Medicare information.

Also see our current news articles about Medicare Basics

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Page updated May 7, 2008