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What Is Medicare?

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Medicare

Medicare was created to provide affordable healthcare coverage for those 65+ and individuals with disabilities—especially after leaving employer-sponsored plans.

When Should You Apply For Medicare?

Medicare uses specific Enrollment Periods to determine when you can sign up for coverage or make changes to your plan. These timeframes are often tied to important life events and eligibility milestones.

Your first chance to enroll is called your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).

This is a 7-month window that includes:

  • 3 months before your 65th birthday
  • The month you turn 65
  • 3 months after your birthday

During this time, you can enroll in:

  • Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
  • Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
  • Additional coverage options, such as Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans

Who Is Eligible For Medicare?

You may qualify for Medicare if you are 65 or older or have a qualifying medical condition.
Enrollment is not always automatic unless you are already receiving Social Security benefits.

You may qualify if:

  • You are 65 or older (U.S. citizens or permanent residents living in the U.S. for at least 5 years)
  • You are receiving—or are eligible for—Social Security benefits

If you are under 65, you may qualify if:

  • You have received Social Security Disability benefits for at least 24 months
  • You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
  • You have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and receive disability benefits

Your Medicare Questions Answered

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older. It also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions. Medicare helps cover hospital care, doctor visits, prescriptions, and other healthcare services.

The best first step is to schedule a consultation to review your Medicare options. We’ll walk through your situation, answer your questions, and help you find the coverage that fits your needs.

Most people should enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period, which starts 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and continues 3 months after. Enrolling on time helps avoid potential late penalties.

Medicare is divided into four main parts:

  • Part A – Hospital Insurance
    Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, and some home healthcare.
  • Part B – Medical Insurance
    Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment.
  • Part C – Medicare Advantage
    Private plans that combine Part A and B and often include extra benefits.
  • Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage
    Helps cover the cost of prescription medications.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not typically cover most prescriptions. You can add Part D prescription drug coverage or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.

Costs vary depending on the coverage you choose. Some parts of Medicare have premiums, deductibles, and copays. Many people receive Part A premium-free, while Part B typically has a monthly premium.

Many doctors accept Medicare, but it depends on the type of plan you choose. Some plans allow you to see any Medicare-accepting provider, while others may use networks.