Medicare 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Basics

At its core, Medicare is a federal health insurance program predominantly for individuals aged 65 and older. However, certain younger individuals with specific disabilities or conditions may also be eligible. Navigating the Medicare enrollment process is an essential step to avail these benefits.

Medicare consists of different parts, each providing distinct types of coverage:

• Medicare Part A: Primarily covers inpatient hospital stays and some home health services.
• Medicare Part B: Covers outpatient care, preventive services, and some home health care.
• Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative to Original Medicare that combines Parts A & B and often includes Part D.
• Medicare Part D: Deals with prescription drug coverage.

When to enroll in Medicare? The initial enrollment period begins three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after your birthday month.

In a nutshell, understanding Medicare basics means knowing the distinct parts, recognizing your eligibility, and initiating the enrollment process at the right time. As you get familiarized, you’ll find Medicare to be a pivotal tool in managing your health needs.