Overview

Medicare is health insurance for: People 65 or older, Under 65 with certain disabilities, Any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Part A helps cover your inpatient care in hospitals. Part A also includes coverage in critical access hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long term care). It also covers hospice care and home health care. You must meet certain conditions to get these benefits. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Part B helps cover medically necessary services like doctors' services, outpatient care, and other medical services that Part A doesn't cover. Part B also covers many preventive services. Part B is a voluntary program. However, you need to have Part B if you want to buy Part A. Also available in Spanish.