Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to people who are 65 years old or older, as well as to those with certain disabilities or medical conditions. If you’re eligible for Medicare, it’s important to understand how the program works and what benefits are available to you. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of Medicare and answer some common questions.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a government-sponsored health insurance program that provides coverage for a range of medical services. It is primarily designed for people who are 65 or older, but it is also available to those with certain disabilities or medical conditions. The program is funded by taxes and premiums, and it is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

What does Medicare cover?

Medicare provides coverage for a range of medical services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. There are four parts to Medicare, each of which covers different services:

• Medicare Part A (hospital insurance): This covers inpatient care in hospitals, hospice care, and skilled nursing facility care.
• Medicare Part B (medical insurance): This covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and some preventive services.
• Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): This is an alternative to traditional Medicare that allows beneficiaries to receive their benefits through a private insurance company.
• Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage): This covers prescription drugs and is available as a standalone plan or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.

Who is eligible for Medicare?

As mentioned, Medicare is primarily available to people who are 65 or older. However, it is also available to those with certain disabilities or medical conditions. To be eligible for Medicare, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• You are 65 or older
• You have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months
• You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
• You have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

When can I enroll in Medicare?

If you’re eligible for Medicare, you can enroll during the initial enrollment period, which is a seven-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65. If you miss your initial enrollment period, you may be subject to a late enrollment penalty.

You can also enroll in Medicare during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, you can make changes to your coverage, switch plans, or enroll in a new plan.

In conclusion, Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for a range of medical services. It is primarily designed for people who are 65 or older, but it is also available to those with certain disabilities or medical conditions. If you’re eligible for Medicare, it’s important to understand how the program works and what benefits are available to you. Be sure to enroll during the initial enrollment period to avoid late enrollment penalties and to make changes to your coverage during the annual open enrollment period. If you need any help Medicare planning contact the advisors at Plan Medicare 516-900-7877.