What Is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program that provides hospital, medical, and drug coverage to people when they turn 65 or qualify due to disability.
Part A
Hospital
Part B
Medical
Who Qualifies for Medicare?
Medicare is available to certain individuals based on age, disability status, or a specific medical condition. You may be eligible if you meet one of the following criteria:
Age 65 or older (even if you are still working)
Under 65 with a disability that have been collecting social security disability for 24 months or longer
Individuals that have been diagnosed with ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) or ALS (Lou-Gehrig's disease)
What Parts A and B Cover
Original Medicare is made up of Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical). Here’s a quick comparison of what each part generally covers.
Part A (Hospital)
- Inpatient hospital care
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice care
- Home health care
- Inpatient care in critical access hospitals
Part B (Medical)
- Doctor visits
- Preventive services (e.g., flu shots, mammograms)
- Durable medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers)
- Home health care
- Outpatient care
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) generally does not cover
Routine & Wellness
Services & Location Limits
Special Treatments
How to Fill in the Gaps
How Medicare Works With Other Coverage
© AdviseCare Insurance 2026 All Rights Reserved. AdviseCare Insurance is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the Federal Medicare Program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to recommend or endorse any specific plan. Plan availability, benefits, premiums, copayments, and coinsurance amounts vary by carrier and location.