Title XVIII of the Social Security Act

Medicare: Federal program that provides health insurance coverage to people age 65 and older or who meet other special criteria.

Medicare is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare provides health care coverage for people:

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Most people get Medicare Part A automatically when they turn age 65. People often do not pay for Part A because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes while employed.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Enrollment in Medicare Part B is optional. There is a premium for Part B.

Medicare Parts C and D

Medicare provides Medicare Advantage (Part C or MA Plans) as well as Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D). Both plans offer varying amounts of coverage, and each plan charges premium depending on the level of coverage.

People age 65 and older

People age 65 years or older generally are eligible for Medicare if :

For people receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, Part A will automatically start the first day of the month those people turn 65.

People younger than age 65

People younger than age 65 with a disability are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B beginning their 25th month of entitlement when they have been entitled to either:

Resources

To determine eligibility, use the Medicare Eligibility Tool and complete the required questions.

For more information about eligibility or enrolling in Medicare, call Social Security at 800-772-1213, TTY 800-325-0778 or visit the Social Security website. For general Medicare questions, call 800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048 or visit the Medicare website.

Medicare may pay 100% of an approved amount for some services and require a deductible and/or co-pay for other services.

For more information, see What Medicare covers and Your Medicare coverage.

For a list of non-covered services, see What Medicare covers and Your Medicare coverage.

Medicare decisions may be appealed. See Claims & appeals or contact the Ombudsman's Office for assistance.