Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older. Some younger people are eligible for Medicare including people with disabilities, permanent kidney failure and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS). Medicare helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.

If you already get Social Security benefits, you do not need to sign up for Medicare. Social Security will automatically enroll you in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) when you become eligible. They will mail you the information a few months before you become eligible.

Because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you can turn it down. However, if you decide to sign up for Part B later, your coverage can be delayed and you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage. Residents of Puerto Rico or foreign countries will NOT automatically receive Part B. They must elect this benefit.

Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare, and it is offered by private insurance companies to Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare Advantage plans include Part A and Part B coverage, and some include Part D prescription drug coverage as well. Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer extra benefits that aren’t available with Original Medicare, such as routine vision, hearing and dental care.

Medicare Supplement plans, which is offered by private insurance companies also known as “Medigap,” help pay your share of medical costs not paid by Original Medicare, like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Some Medigap plans may also assist in paying for home healthcare, durable medical equipment (DME), hospital costs and lab costs.