New to Medicare? Start Here.
We break it all down — what Medicare is, how it started, and what each part (A, B, C, D) covers — in language that actually makes sense.
Need Help Enrolling? Click Below.
Medicare 101
What is Medicare?
A Quick History of Medicare
A Quick History of Medicare
Medicare is the federal government’s health insurance program for:
- People age 65 and older
- People under 65 with certain disabilities
- People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant)
It helps cover hospital stays, doctor visits, medical procedures, and prescription drugs — depending on the type of plan you choose.
A Quick History of Medicare
A Quick History of Medicare
A Quick History of Medicare
Medicare began in 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed it into law. Before then, many older Americans couldn’t afford health insurance — or were denied coverage due to age or health conditions.
The goal of Medicare was simple:
To give older Americans and people with disabilities access to affordable, reliable health care.
Since then, the program has expanded to include more services and choices — including Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug coverage.
The Purpose of Medicare
A Quick History of Medicare
The Purpose of Medicare
Medicare is here to protect you from the high cost of medical care as you age or if you live with a qualifying condition. It gives you access to:
- Doctors, hospitals, and specialists
- Preventive care and screenings
- Prescription medications
- Emergency and inpatient care
- Chronic illness management
But not all coverage is automatic — and not all options are right for everyone. That’s where guidance can help.
The "Medicare" vs Original Medicare Debate
Referring to "Medicare" without context can (and often does) create confusion. Two beneficiaries can both be enrolled in Medicare, but their coverage look completely different. Kind of like the image to the right: two individuals can both be eating apples, but the look, texture and flavor provide very different experiences.
When beneficiaries enroll in Medicare for the first time, they are enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B only. This is called Original Medicare.
Enrolling in other Parts (like C and D) is a separate event, and does not happen automatically.
Be cautious when taking advice from other Medicare beneficiaries — their situation may be very different from yours. That’s why working with a licensed, experienced Medicare advisor can make all the difference in getting guidance tailored to your needs.
