Medicare is a federal insurance program for adults aged 65 years or older. Younger individuals with certain types of disabilities or permanent kidney failure may also qualify.
Medicare may cover treatments for FDA-approved indications. This insurance program has 4 parts (A, B, C, and D), each providing a specific type of coverage.
- Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home healthcare
- Medicare Part B helps cover doctors’ and other healthcare providers’ services, outpatient care, home healthcare, durable medical equipment, and many preventive services
- Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D
- Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs
- Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private company that helps pay your share of costs in Original Medicare