What does Medicare cover?

Posted: February 13, 2015, 12:06PM

Medicare is a health insurance program for people who are age 65 or older, people who are under 65 with certain disabilities, and people of all ages with End Stage Renal Disease. Part A Medicare is hospital insurance that helps cover inpatient care in hospitals and skilled care in nursing facilities (NOT custodial or long term care). It also helps cover hospice care and some home health care. Beneficiaries must meet criteria to get these benefits. Part B Medicare helps cover doctors' services and outpatient care. It may also cover some services that Part A doesn't cover. Part B helps pay when the services and supplies are medically necessary. Part D is Prescription Drug Coverage. This is insurance with private companies providing the coverage. Beneficiaries choose the product and pay a monthly premium. Coverage may be for drugs only or may include health care services (Medicare Advantage Plans).