what can i get with medicare

What comes free with Medicare?

What benefits do you receive with Medicare?

Does Medicare pay for everything?

What common things does Medicare not cover?

Does Medicare cover dental?

Does Medicare cover eye exams?

Does Medicare always pay 80 percent?

Does Medicare pay for food?

Does Medicare pay for surgery?

How much is the monthly premium for Medicare supplement?

Does Medicare Part B pay for prescriptions?

Does Medicare Part B cover doctor visits?

Medicare Eligibility, Applications, and Appeals

Find information about Medicare, how to apply, report fraud and complaints.What help is available?Medicare is the federal health insurance program...

Voluntary Termination of Medicare Part B

You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance). It is a serious decision. You must submit Form CMS-1763 to the Social Secur...

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)

Part D of Medicare is an insurance coverage plan for prescription medication. Learn about the costs for Medicare drug coverage.EligibilityPrescript...

Replace Your Medicare Card

You can replace your Medicare card in one of the following ways if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed:Log into your MyMedicare.gov account and reque...

Medicare Coverage Outside the United States

Medicare coverage outside the United States is limited. Learn about coverage if you live or are traveling outside the United States.Original Medica...

Medicare basics

Start here. Learn the parts of Medicare, how it works, and what it costs.

Sign up

First, you’ll sign up for Parts A and B. Find out when and how to sign up, and when coverage starts.

Medicare Eligibility, Applications, and Appeals

Find information about Medicare, how to apply, report fraud and complaints.

Voluntary Termination of Medicare Part B

You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance). It is a serious decision. You must submit Form CMS-1763 ( PDF, Download Adobe Reader) to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Visit or call the SSA ( 1-800-772-1213) to get this form.

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)

Part D of Medicare is an insurance coverage plan for prescription medication. Learn about the costs for Medicare drug coverage.

Replace Your Medicare Card

You can replace your Medicare card in one of the following ways if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed:

Medicare Coverage Outside the United States

Medicare coverage outside the United States is limited. Learn about coverage if you live or are traveling outside the United States.

Do you have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

1. Part A premiums

The component of Medicare called Part A primarily covers hospital stays and inpatient care (whereas Part B primarily covers services in health care providers’ offices).

3. Annual wellness visit

The purpose of the annual wellness visit available to Medicare recipients is to develop or update a personalized plan to help prevent disease and disability based on your health situation.

4. Vaccines

One influenza shot per flu season is covered when you have Medicare. The COVID-19 vaccine and booster are covered, too.

5. Cancer screenings

Medicare covers screenings for a variety of health conditions. They include various types of cancer:

6. Mental health screenings

When it comes to mental health, Medicare provides the following free screenings:

7. Other health screenings

Beyond cancer and mental health screenings, Medicare provides a number of free screenings for other health conditions. They include the following, most of which are free if you meet certain risk factors:

8. Counseling

The following types of counseling are among those by Medicare for people who meet eligibility requirements:

Key Points in Making Your Decision

There are many choices for health coverage in the Medicare system. You are eligible for Medicare Part A (hospital care) and Part B (doctor visits) when you turn 65. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare.

Medicare Information to Consider

Enroll in the Original Medicare plan. If you don’t sign up within seven months of turning 65 (three months before your 65 th birthday, your birthday month, and three months after), you will pay a 10% penalty for every year you delay.

Who's eligible?

All people with Part A and/or Part B who meet all of these conditions are covered:

note

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

note

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and whether Medicare will pay for them.

Medicare Part A premiums

Most people will pay nothing for Medicare Part A. Your Part A coverage is free as long as you’re eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.

Medicare Part B premiums

For Part B coverage, you’ll pay a premium each year. Most people will pay the standard premium amount. In 2021, the standard premium is $148.50. However, if you make more than the preset income limits, you’ll pay more for your premium.

Medicare Part D premiums

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. Part D plans have their own separate premiums. The national base beneficiary premium amount for Medicare Part D in 2021 is $33.06, but costs vary.

What about Medicare Advantage plans?

The price for Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans greatly varies. Depending on your location, you may have dozens of options, all with different premium amounts. Because Part C plans don’t have a standard plan amount, there are no set income brackets for higher prices.

Medicare savings programs

There are four types of Medicare savings programs, which are discussed in more detail in the following sections.

Can I get help with Part D costs?

You can also get assistance paying your Part D costs. This program is called Extra Help. With the Extra Help program, you can get prescriptions at much lower costs. In 2021, you’ll pay a max of $3.70 for generics or $9.20 for brand-name medications.

What about Medicaid?

If you qualify for Medicaid, your costs will be covered. You won’t be responsible for premiums or other plan costs.