What Is Medicare? How It Works And What It Covers

Medicare offers Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or Medicare Advantage (Part C) for seniors and disabled individuals. Original Medicare covers hospital and outpatient care, with optional Part D for prescriptions and Medigap for extra costs. Medicare Advantage, provided by private insurers, includes additional benefits like dental and vision but may limit provider choice. Enrollment periods and costs vary, with income affecting Part B premiums. Medicare differs from Medicaid, which is income-based.