Health Care & Medication

Medicare

2 min read

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that helps you pay for your medical expenses. Medicare includes Part A for hospital insurance, Part B for medical insurance, and Part D for prescription drug coverage.

  • What is Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance?
    Medicare Part A is free if you are 65 years of age or older and you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years while working. It is also free if you are younger than 65, have a disability, and have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments for at least 2 years (24 months). Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing home care, home health, and hospice care. There is a deductible to use Part A services.
  • What is Medicare Part B: Medical Insurance?
    Medicare Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient services. You must pay a monthly premium for Part B coverage. Most people will pay the standard Part B premium amount, which is $170.10 per month in 2022. Some people will pay less due to the statutory hold harmless provision, which stops a person's Part B premium cost from increasing more than the increase in that person's Social Security benefits.
  • What is Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage?
    If you have Medicare Part A or B, you can get Medicare Part D to help cover the cost of your prescription medications. You may buy a prescription drug plan that will pay for some, but not all, of your prescription drug costs.

How do I join or get more information about Medicare?

To join Medicare, contact Social Security. To get more information about Medicare benefits, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). If you are a TTY user, call 1-877-486-2048.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Medicare pay for?
Can I get help from this program?

Get Help from a Benefits Enrollment Center

Start Enrollment or Ask Questions

A Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) can offer you personal, one-on-one assistance as you navigate program eligibility and look to apply. With support from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the BEC can help you apply for an enroll in all of the benefits you may be missing out on.

Green Path

Toll-Free: 1-800-794-6559

Website: support@benefitscheckup.org

Get Help from a Benefits Enrollment Center

Start Enrollment or Ask Questions

A Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) can offer you personal, one-on-one assistance as you navigate program eligibility and look to apply. With support from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the BEC can help you apply for an enroll in all of the benefits you may be missing out on.

Green Path

Toll-Free: 1-800-794-6559

Website: support@benefitscheckup.org

See What Key Benefits Programs You May Qualify For

BenefitsCheckUp can help you assess whether you can get help from programs before you apply. Answer questions anonymously to find out if you may be eligible for key benefits programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - Extra Help, among others.