Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, though it also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific health conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease. It was created in 1965 to help Americans afford necessary medical care during retirement. Today, Medicare is divided into different parts that each focus on specific healthcare needs, providing coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and more.

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Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Part A covers services like inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility stays, and hospice care, usually at no cost for most beneficiaries. Part B helps pay for doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive services, but comes with a monthly premium. To help fill coverage gaps, people often add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap Plan G) policy or opt into a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, which bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into one plan through a private insurer. You can't have both, you must select between a Supplement plan or an Advantage plan. This is where we help you decide which is best for you!

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In addition to basic coverage, many people choose to add Part D for prescription drugs or ancillary health plans like dental, vision, and hearing insurance. With all the options available, selecting the right Medicare plan can feel overwhelming — which is why working with a licensed, trusted guide like Medicare One Stop makes the process easy, helping you maximize your benefits while minimizing your costs.

Need help applying for Social Security or Medicare A and B? Look no further, we've created a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.