The skinny on Medicare
Medicare, the federal program, offers health insurance to adults 65-years-old and older. With this program, most people who paid Medicare taxes while working for at least 10 years, are automatically enrolled when they turn 65. If you have not worked for 10 years, then you could possibly be eligible for Medicare through your spouse.
Medicare offers health coverage for basic needs and breaks down into Parts A through Part D. Hospital insurance is Part A and means you are covered for stays in hospitals and for medically necessary needs while there. Part B handles outpatient needs, such as doctor visits. Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, allows those enrolled to get all the benefits of Parts A and B (there are some limitations). Part D handles prescription drugs.
If you do not know what you need to suit your lifestyle, ask your health insurance agent or broker. They are trained to know every detail you could possibly want to know.