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Medicare is a social insurance program administered by the United States government that provides health insurance coverage to people who are aged 65 or older. Another requirement for Medicare eligibility is having paid money or taxes into the Medicare system for at least ten years. Seniors below 65 years old can also avail of Medicare benefits if they have a disability or have been diagnosed with permanent kidney failure.

These benefits include hospital insurance, medical insurance, and prescription drug plans, which are commonly referred to as Medicare Part A, B, and D, respectively. Part C is a recent addition to Medicare, and deals with another type of insurance plan known as the Medicare Advantage plan. The following are some general descriptions of each aspect of Medicare:

Part A: Hospital Insurance. Medicare can help pay for your inpatient costs at a hospital, clinic or ambulatory surgical centers. It can also assist on payments for home health care, skilled nursing service and hospice, provided that you meet additional criteria. This benefit does not require any premium payments since this is already paid for with the Medicare taxes deducted from your paycheck when you were still working.

Part B, or medical insurance, covers outpatient costs, and some services and products not covered by Part A. Examples include professional fees, laboratory, and diagnostic tests, x-rays, blood transfusions, renal dialysis, drugs covered by Medicare and medical equipment such as canes, walkers and wheelchairs. Most people pay monthly premiums for Part B.

Part D helps pay for prescription medicine and other drugs not covered by Part B. It also provides protection from higher expenses related to this in the future. Also approved and regulated by Medicare, prescription plans are actually administered by private companies.

Part C: Medicare Advantage Plan. This is basically another method to get your Medicare benefits. It combines Parts A, B and some aspects of Part D. Private insurance groups endorsed by Medicare administer these plans. The policies cover services that are medically essential and can charge non-standard deductibles, co-payments, or co-insurance for these services.

Some people perceive the fact that Medicare cannot cover all possible medical expenses of its beneficiaries are perceived as a disadvantage. However, of greater concern is the increasing number of beneficiaries versus the working population, which are basically the source of Medicare funds. It may reach the point where the federal government will no longer be able to support the Medicare program. Some people predict that this situation could come as early as 2018.

However, the advantages still outweigh the disadvantages. Beneficiaries should take the time to learn about Medicare eligibility rules and coverage. After all, education is the key in making the most of this program.

There are a variety of Medicare plans to decide on including the Medicare Advantage Plan. When you need coverage research Medicare eligibility to see if you meet the requirements.