Medicare is the country’s national health insurance program for people 65 or older and people under 65 who are receiving Social Security disability benefits. It was introduced as the “1965 Medicare Amendment to the Social Security Act” and included Hospital (Part A) and Medical (Part B). This is often now called “Original Medicare.” The Medicare program helps with healthcare costs, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of long-term care. You have choices for how you get Medicare and related insurance coverage.

You can choose to have Original Medicare and pair it with a Medicare supplement policy (also known as Medigap) from a private insurance company which will cover many of the costs that Medicare does not pay. In addition, Medicare Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage) covers some of the cost of prescription drugs for people with Medicare Parts A and B.

Alternatively, you can choose to replace Original Medicare with a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) and receive all your healthcare services plus prescription coverage through a private insurance company that is approved and regulated by Medicare.