Medicare basics

Medicare is a federally-sponsored health insurance program for people 65 years of age or older, people younger than 65 with a disability, and people with kidney failure. It provides coverage for hospital care (Part A), medical services (Part B) and prescription drugs (Part D). Information on Medicare, its costs, eligibility, and enrollment are discussed below.

In this section:

1. Medicare: an Overview – Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, and Medicare benefits and costs for 2008.
2. Medicare eligibility – Learn who is eligible for Medicare. Also understand how your Medicare and supplemental coverage eligibility may change if you move or travel outside of the U.S.
3. Enrolling in Medicare:
   • Parts A and B
   • Part C - Medicare Advantage
   • Part D- prescription drugs
4. Medicare assignment for original fee-for-service Medicare – Medicare ‘assignment’ and provider charge limits for Medicare beneficiaries.
5. Resources – Helpful websites for basic Medicare information.

Related Links

1. Medicare fraud and abuse – Fraud scenarios, how to prevent fraud, and where to report suspected cases of fraud and abuse.
2. News articles about Medicare Basics.

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Page updated July 24, 2008