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Get connected to trusted resources by calling 1-866-415-7402 TTY 711, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Working past 65?
Learn about key deadlines and whether Medicare could still be the right choice for you.
Do you have both Medicare and Medicaid?
Learn how you can get more out of Medicare with a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP).
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Get your questions answered. Attend a live webcast with an independent licensed insurance agent.
What is Medicare and who is it for?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 years or older. It is also for those of any age with:
- Certain disabilities lasting 24 months in a row
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
There are two main ways to get Medicare:
- Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), or
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Some people also get Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). It can help cover the cost of prescription drugs.
My Medicare Choice e-book
Compare your Medicare choices
Original Medicare covers hospital and medical care. Some people add a prescription drug plan or Medicare Supplement insurance.
Medicare Advantage is an all-in-one plan that usually includes hospital and medical care. Many plans also cover Part D prescription drugs, plus extras like vision, hearing and dental.
Compare Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare
- Limits what you pay each year? No
- What does it cover? Hospital and medical
- Can you add Medigap insurance? Yes
- Are prescription drugs covered? No; you can buy a Part D Prescription Drug plan.
- Can you choose your doctor and hospitals? Yes, as long as they accept Medicare.
- Are there quality of care ratings? Yes, for doctors and hospitals; visit medicare.gov.
Medicare Advantage
- Limits what you pay each year? Yes
- What does it cover? Hospital and medical. May also include: prescription drugs, dental, vision and hearing
- Can you add Medigap insurance? No
- Are prescription drugs covered? They're included in most plans
- Can you choose your doctor and hospitals? Yes, if they’re in the plan’s network. Some plans offer out-of-network coverage.
- Are there quality of care ratings? Yes, plans are rated at medicare.gov/find-a-plan
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