Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that provides coverage for people who are 65 or older, people with certain disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant). Medicare is financed by payroll taxes, premiums, and general revenue.

Medicare is divided into four parts:

Part A (Hospital Insurance): covers inpatient hospital care, hospice care, and some home health care services.

Part B (Medical Insurance): covers doctor services, preventive services, and some other medical services and supplies that are not covered by Part A.

Part C (Medicare Advantage): covers additional benefits and services such as vision, hearing, and dental care, and it is offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.

Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): covers prescription drugs and it is also offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.

Medicare is a vital program for older adults and people with disabilities, as it helps to cover the cost of necessary medical care and helps to ensure access to healthcare services. However, Medicare does not cover all medical expenses and many beneficiaries purchase additional coverage through a Medigap policy or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan to help cover out-of-pocket costs.