{"id":355790,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/medicare-medicaid\/medicare-an-overview.html"},"modified":"2026-08-28T10:11:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T15:11:00","slug":"medicare-an-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/medicare-medicaid\/medicare-an-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"Medicare: Overview and Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Medicare: Overview and Basics<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Medicare is a federal health insurance program funded through payroll taxes that provides coverage for adults 65 and older, individuals with specific disabilities, and patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or a transplant.\u00a0<\/span>The program is structured into four main parts\u2014Part A (Hospital), Part B (Medical), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (Prescription Drugs)\u2014to cover a wide array of inpatient, outpatient, and medication expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Americans pay for Medicare through payroll deductions during their working years. Because coverage rules, out-of-pocket costs, and private supplemental options like Medigap vary, beneficiaries must navigate specific eligibility periods and benefit terms to optimize their care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This article provides a general overview of Medicare and its main components. Find information about eligibility, coverage, enrollment, and when to get legal help with a Medicare issue<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Medicare vs. Medicaid<\/h2>\n

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), manage Medicare and Medicaid programs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income Americans jointly administered by the federal government and each state.<\/p>\n

By contrast, Medicare is a national health insurance program administered by the federal government.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Medicare Eligibility\u00a0<\/h2>\n

People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)<\/a>\u00a0can enroll in Medicare if they meet all of the following criteria:<\/p>\n