What is Medicare?

Benefit Chart

Supplement Chart

Medicare Information

Supplemental Coverage

What's Next?

What is Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program available to most older Americans and to many younger people with disabilities.

Medicare consists of two parts, Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A is free to most who are eligible for Medicare. All who choose to be covered by Medicare Part B must pay a premium. The monthly premium for Medicare Part B is $58.70 in 2003.

Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance.
Part A covers:

• Inpatient hospital care
• Skilled nursing care
• Home health care
• Hospice care

• Doctor's services
• Outpatient hospital care
• Durable medical equipment
• Home health care
• Other services such as laboratory tests, X-rays, therapy, mental health and ambulance

Medicare was originally created as a Fee-For-Service program. This means Medicare pay its share of costs for each covered service you receive. You are free to go to any Medicare-approved provider you choose as often as necessary. Contact your Social Security office with questions about Medicare eligibility and enrollment.

Original Medicare has significant gaps in coverage as shown in the chart. Most who have Original Medicare have additional insurance to supplement Medicare.