What Is Medicare?
Updated September 2026 · 2026 figures from CMS and Medicare.gov
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, and for some younger people who get Social Security disability benefits or have end-stage renal disease or ALS. It is run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The four parts of Medicare
| Part | What it covers | Who provides it |
|---|---|---|
| Part A – hospital insurance | Inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, some home health care | The federal government |
| Part B – medical insurance | Doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, lab tests, medical equipment | The federal government |
| Part C – Medicare Advantage | An all-in-one alternative to Parts A and B, usually with drug coverage and extras | Private insurers approved by Medicare |
| Part D – drug coverage | Prescription drugs | Private insurers approved by Medicare |
Parts A and B together are called Original Medicare.
Your two main choices
- Original Medicare (Parts A and B), usually with a separate Part D drug plan and often a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to cover the 20% and deductibles. You can see any doctor in the US who accepts Medicare.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): a private plan that replaces Original Medicare, typically with a provider network, a yearly out-of-pocket limit and drug coverage built in.
What Medicare costs in 2026
| 2026 cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Part B standard monthly premium | $202.90 |
| Part B annual deductible | $283 |
| Part A premium (40+ quarters of work) | $0 |
| Part A premium (30–39 quarters / under 30) | $311 / $565 a month |
| Part A hospital deductible (per benefit period) | $1,736 |
| Part D maximum deductible | $615 |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap on covered drugs | $2,100 |
Higher-income beneficiaries pay more for Part B and Part D through IRMAA — check yours with the Part B premium calculator.
What Medicare doesn't cover
Original Medicare doesn't cover most long-term custodial care (help with bathing, dressing and eating in a nursing home), routine dental care, dentures, routine eye exams and glasses, hearing aids, or care outside the US in most cases. Some Medicare Advantage plans include limited dental, vision and hearing benefits.
Who can get Medicare
US citizens and lawful permanent residents of at least 5 continuous years become eligible at 65. Younger people qualify after 24 months of Social Security disability benefits, or with ESRD or ALS. Details in Medicare eligibility and Medicare age.
Medicare is not Medicaid
Medicare is based mainly on age or disability; Medicaid is a joint federal-state program based on income. Many people with low incomes qualify for both. See Medicare vs Medicaid.
Frequently asked questions
What is Medicare in simple terms?
Federal health insurance for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities, split into Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (drugs).
Is Medicare free?
Part A is premium-free for most people with 40 quarters of work. Part B has a monthly premium ($202.90 in 2026 for most people), and there are deductibles and coinsurance.
Who runs Medicare?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Social Security handles enrollment.
Does Medicare cover dental?
Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental care. Many Medicare Advantage plans include some dental benefits.