Medicare Program
Program Description
Medicare is a Federal health insurance program for people 65 years of age or older, under 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). Currently, 44 million Americans benefit from the various medical choices offered through Medicare.As a person with Medicare, you now have choices in how you get your health and prescription drug coverage. You can get detailed Medicare information and learn more about the following:
- Medicare benefits and plans
- Your rights and protections including your right to appeal
- Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Medicare
- Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
- Referrals by state and local agencies for community services
- Medicare claims and Medicare Summary Notices
- Medicare Advantage and other Medicare Health Plans
- Additional program information
General Medicare Information
Important points you need to know about your Medicare benefits:
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, including critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care). It also helps cover hospice care and some home health care. You usually don't pay a premium for Medicare Part A if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover doctors' services and outpatient care. It also covers some other medical services that Part A doesn't cover, such as some of the services of physical and occupational therapists, and some home health care. You pay a monthly Part B premium each month.
- Medicare drug coverage is offered with a monthly premium. If you have limited income and resources, you may get extra help to cover prescription drugs for little or no cost. For additional information about these plans visit http://www.medicare.gov/choices/Overview.asp
General Program Requirements
If you would like to find out if you are eligible for Medicare, contact Social Security at 1?800-772-1213 or use the Medicare Eligibility Tool at:http://www.medicare.gov/MedicareEligibility/home.asp
