What is Medicare?

Medicare is the federal government's health insurance program specifically designed for individuals who are 65 years of age and older, as well as for certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific diseases. Established in 1965, Medicare helps cover a wide range of healthcare services, including hospital stays, medical services, and prescription drugs, thus alleviating the financial burden of medical care for millions of Americans.

The program is divided into different parts that provide various types of coverage, such as hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B), along with more recent additions like the Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). This comprehensive structure makes Medicare a fundamental pillar of healthcare support for the aging population in the United States, setting it apart from private insurance programs, state-funded initiatives, or local healthcare networks, which operate under different frameworks and regulations.