What is Medicare?

​

Medicare is a federally run program that aims to provide subsidized and accessible health insurance to a specific population within the United States. You may qualify for Medicare if you are:

• 65 years of age and over

• Under age 65 and have a disability

• Under age 65 and have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

​

​Medicaid enrollment is NOT a barrier to Medicare enrollment. You can dual enroll in Medicare and Medicaid! 

 

There are four parts to Medicare:

• Part A & B, which cover all hospital and preventative care necessities

• Parts C & D, which include the Medicare Advantage Plan and prescription drug coverage respectively.

 

Standard Medicare includes parts A & B with the addition of Part D if consistent prescription drug coverage is also needed. Part C, or the Medicare Advantage Plan can be acquired through a private insurance provider and includes coverage that matches parts A & B plus additional aspects, like dental, vision hearing and/or health and wellness programs.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

(Above) Figure 1: This figure shows the 4 different parts of medicare and what is covered under each.

Source: https://newsroom.nebraskablue.com/medicare-advantage-101/