Medicare Basics

Original Medicare Overview

Medicare is health insurance run by the federal government for people 65 or older, under 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).  Medicare has four parts: Part A, B, C, and D. Original Medicare are Parts A and B.

Generally speaking, Part A covers in-patient expenses. Most people pay nothing for Part A.  Generally speaking, Part B covers outpatient medical expenses and a monthly premium is required.  For most people already enrolled in Part B, the 2010 premium is $96.40 For most 2010 new enrollees the premium is $110.50. This is a premium paid to the government and it is common for enrolles to have it deducted from their Social Security check.

There is much more to Medicare, including Parts C and D, which you can learn about in the government provided booklet, Medicare and You