What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65+ (and some younger individuals with disabilities). It has several parts:

• Part A: Hospital insurance (usually free)
• Part B: Medical insurance (monthly premium)
• Part C: Medicare Advantage (private plan that bundles A & B, and often D)
• Part D: Prescription drug coverage

You can choose Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and add Part D, or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).