What is Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance from the federal government. It's for people aged 65 and older, and also for some younger people with disabilities or certain health conditions.

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Unlike regular health insurance you might have had, Medicare has different parts (like Part A for hospital stays, Part B for doctor visits, and Part D for prescriptions) and different ways to get coverage. There are also specific times you need to sign up, or you might face penalties. We're here to help you understand all of this and choose the best Medicare options for you.

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How is Medicare Different From Other Health Insurance?

You might be surprised by how Medicare differs from the health insurance you're used to, especially if it was through an employer. Employer plans often combine medical, prescription drug coverage, and other benefits, and they might even cover you and your spouse under one plan.

However, Medicare covers one person at a time. This means if both you and your spouse need Medicare, you'll each need to enroll separately.

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Medicare also gives you flexible options for how you get your benefits:

• You can get your hospital and medical coverage directly from the federal government.

• You can add prescription drug coverage through a private insurance company.

• You can buy a separate, supplemental insurance policy from a private insurer to help with some of your out-of-pocket costs.

• You can choose a plan from a private insurance company that bundles hospital, medical, and often prescription drug coverage into one convenient plan.

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Ultimately, Medicare offers you the freedom to choose coverage that truly fits your personal needs, budget, and lifestyle. We're here to help you navigate these choices and make the most of your Medicare options.