Medicare is a Federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older and for people who younger than 65 who have certain disabilities.

People who are younger than age 65 are eligible for Medicare if they have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for 24 consecutive months; or railroad retirement benefits, based on disability, for 29 consecutive months; or they are insured under Social Security or railroad retirement system and need dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant. Spouses or children of insured people may also be eligible if they need maintenance dialysis or a kidney transplant.

There are three parts to the Medicare program: Hospital insurance (Part A) helps pay for inpatient hospital care, some inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility, home health care, and hospice care. Medical Insurance (Part B) helps pay for doctors’ services, outpatient hospital services, durable medical equipment, and a number of other medical services and supplies that are not covered by Part A. Part D covers prescription drugs. Coverage is available through private insurance plans. There is assistance for people with limited resources and income to pay for Part D coverage. Call Social Security to find out if you are eligible for this assistance.

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