Learn About Medicare

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program. It only covers you—not your spouse or children.

It’s for people 65 or older, younger people with certain disabilities, and people of any age with end-stage renal disease or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. To get Medicare, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident who’s lived in the country for at least five years.

Parts of Medicare

Understanding Medicare's different parts helps you choose the coverage that best fits your healthcare needs.

Part A

Hospital coverage

Part B

Medical coverage

Part C

Medicare Advantage

Part D

Prescription drug coverage

Original Medicare

Managed by the federal government of the United States

Part A - Hospital Visits

Part B - Medical Visits

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE(OPTIONAL)

Medical bottle doodle Part D - Presciption drug coverage

Medicare Supplement Icon Medicare Supplement - Cover out-of-pocket costs

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Offered through insurers like CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Part A - Hospital Visits

Part B - Medical Visits

Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage

Dental

Vision

Hearing

Things to Know

To sign up for Medicare Advantage plan, you must: have Part A & B, live in the plan service’s area, and pay your Part B premium.
Most Medicare Advantage plans already include prescription drug coverage, if not, you can add it.
You cannot have a Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plan at the same time.

Learn About the Parts of Medicare

How Can I Save on Medicare Costs?

To save on healthcare expenses, it’s important to visit doctors, hospitals and healthcare facilities that accept Medicare.

Participating Providers

These are doctors, specialists and primary care physicians who accept Medicare and always accept the full payment of a Medicare-approved amount for health services.

Non-Participating Providers

These are doctors who accept Medicare. However, they do not accept the full payment. These providers can charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount.

Opt-Out Providers

These are doctors who do not accept Medicare at all. You will be responsible for 100% of the bill.

Explore More Medicare Basics

What is Medicare?

Parts of Medicare

Part A

Part B

Part C

Part D

Original Medicare

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Things to Know

How Can I Save on Medicare Costs?

Participating Providers

Non-Participating Providers

Opt-Out Providers

Explore More Medicare Basics

Medicare Terms

Parts of Medicare

Frequently Asked Questions