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

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)

Medicare Advantage Plans are health plan options that are approved by Medicare but run by private companies. They are part of the Medicare Program, and sometimes called "Part C." When you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you are still in Medicare. (see Medicare Part C) With Medicare Advantage Plans: