The Medicare Program

Medicare is a health insurance program for:

• People age 65 or older.
• People under age 65 with certain disabilities.
• People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant)

The Original Medicare Has Two Parts

Part A is Hospital Insurance and covers cost associated with confinement in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. (see Medicare Part A)

Medicare started offering insurance coverage for prescription drugs through Medicare prescriptions drug plans and other health plan options. Medicare's prescription drug coverage will typically pay over half of your drug costs, for a monthly premium. (see Medicare Part D)