What Is Medicare?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency that administers Medicare. The program is funded in part by Social Security and Medicare taxes that you pay on your income throughout your working life (40 working quarters).

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Medicare is a health insurance program for:

• People age 65 or older.

• People under age 65 with certain disabilities.

• People of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).

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Medicare has different parts that help cover specific services:

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) - Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care). It also helps cover hospice care and some home health care. Beneficiaries must meet certain conditions to get these benefits. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A because they or a spouse already paid for it through their payroll taxes while working.

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Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) - Part B helps cover doctors' services and outpatient care. It also covers 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. Part B helps pay for these covered services and supplies when they are medically necessary. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B.

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Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) - Medicare prescription drug coverage is available to everyone with Medicare. To get Medicare prescription drug coverage, people must join a plan approved by Medicare. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part D.

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If you’re a person with Medicare or help a person with Medicare, visit Medicare.gov to find more information about Medicare. 

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