Medicare for Seniors: What It Covers, Who Qualifies, and What You Need to Know

When you turn 65, Medicare, a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older in the United States. Also known as federal health insurance for seniors, it kicks in automatically if you're already getting Social Security. But if you're not, you have to sign up—or risk penalties, gaps in care, and surprise bills. This isn't optional. It's the main way most Americans get medical care after retirement.

Medicare isn't one thing. It's split into parts: Part A, covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and hospice care, and Part B, covers doctor visits, lab tests, and preventive services. Most people get Part A for free if they paid Medicare taxes while working. Part B costs money every month—around $174 in 2024—and you have to sign up for it separately. Then there's Part D, the prescription drug plan, which isn't included by default. Skip it without creditable coverage, and you'll pay a late penalty forever.

Many seniors assume Medicare covers everything. It doesn't. No dental, no vision, no hearing aids. Long-term care? Not covered. That's why so many people buy Medigap, a supplemental insurance plan that pays what Medicare doesn't. Others join Medicare Advantage, private plans that bundle Parts A, B, and often D into one. These can have lower monthly costs but tighter networks and more rules. You can't have both. Choosing wrong can cost you more in the long run.

Eligibility sounds simple—you're 65 and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for five years. But what if you're still working? What if you have employer insurance? What if you're disabled and under 65? These aren't edge cases. They're common. And the rules change depending on your situation. You don't need to be retired. You don't need to be poor. But you do need to act on time. Miss your Initial Enrollment Period, and you could wait months to get coverage, or pay extra for life.

There's no single answer to "What does Medicare cover?" because it depends on what parts you have, where you live, and whether you added extra plans. But the core is clear: it pays for hospital care, doctor visits, and essential prescriptions. What it doesn't pay for is just as important. That's why so many seniors end up spending thousands out of pocket each year—for things like routine checkups, glasses, or even a cane. Knowing what's included and what's not saves you from shock bills.

The posts below cover real issues seniors face: how to pick the right plan, what to do when Medicare doesn't cover something, how to avoid scams, and how to get help with costs. You'll find guides on comparing plans, understanding deductibles, and using Medicare alongside other insurance. No fluff. No sales pitches. Just what works—for people who need it.