Overview
Medicare is the federal health insurance program primarily for people who are 65 or older. It also covers certain younger people with disabilities and people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant).
Key Details
What You Should Know
Part A — Hospital Insurance
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people pay no monthly premium for Part A because they (or a spouse) paid Medicare taxes while working.
Part B — Medical Insurance
Helps pay for doctors' services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and preventive services like flu shots and screenings. Part B requires a monthly premium, which is usually deducted from your Social Security check.
Part C — Medicare Advantage
An alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private companies approved by Medicare. These plans include Part A and Part B and usually Part D (drug coverage), and often add benefits like vision, hearing, dental, and wellness programs.
Part D — Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps lower the cost of prescription medications. Offered through private insurers approved by Medicare, it can be added to Original Medicare or included in many Medicare Advantage plans.
Visual Reference
What a Medicare Card Looks Like
Name
JOHN Q. PUBLIC
Medicare Beneficiary Identifier
1EG4-TE5-MK73
Part A
Effective 01/2021
Part B
Effective 01/2021
Sample card for illustration only — not a real benefit card.
Your red, white, and blue Medicare card is mailed to you and shows your name and a unique Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). Present it when you receive care. Your Social Security Number is no longer printed on the card.
Appointments
Appointed Carriers
Calendar
Important Dates
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
A 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and ends 3 months after. Enroll here to avoid late penalties.
General Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31 each year, if you missed your IEP. Coverage starts the month after you enroll, and late enrollment penalties may apply.
Open Enrollment (Annual)
October 15 – December 7. You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or change Part D plans. Changes take effect January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1 – March 31. Medicare Advantage members can switch plans or return to Original Medicare (with or without Part D) once during this period.
Official Resources
