Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people of any age with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).

There are four parts to Medicare:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps pay for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, home health care, hospice care, and some home health care services.
• Part B (Medical Insurance) helps pay for doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and some medical supplies and equipment.
• Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) are private health plans that offer all or most of your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, plus some extra benefits.
• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps pay for prescription drugs.

You can choose to get Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you choose Original Medicare, you can also get a Medigap policy to help pay for some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. If you choose a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may not need a Medigap policy.

Medicare is a complex program, and there are many factors to consider when choosing a Medicare plan. It’s important to compare plans and get help from a knowledgeable advisor to make sure you choose the right plan for your needs.

Here are some of the things to consider when choosing a Medicare plan:

• Cost: Medicare plans have different costs, including premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
• Benefits: Medicare plans have different benefits, such as coverage for prescription drugs, vision, and dental care.
• Network: Medicare plans have different networks of doctors and hospitals.
• Medigap: If you choose Original Medicare, you may need a Medigap policy to help pay for some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

If you’re turning 65 soon or you already have Medicare, it’s important to learn about your options and choose the right plan for you. There are many resources available to help you, including the Medicare website, your local Social Security office, and a Medicare insurance agent.