Medicare calling number — Yonkers, NY

For many people, Medicare Part A, which covers hospital stays, is premium-free if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. However, Part B, covering doctor visits and outpatient care, typically has a monthly premium. There are also costs for Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (prescription drugs), which vary by plan and your specific needs.

Medicare is the federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 or older. It also covers younger people with certain disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. It helps pay for hospital stays (Part A), doctor visits and outpatient care (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D), with additional options available through Medicare Advantage plans (Part C).

Medicare generally doesn't cover long-term care (custodial care), most dental care, eye exams for glasses, cosmetic surgery, acupuncture, or hearing aids and routine hearing tests. While Original Medicare covers medically necessary services, it has gaps that many people fill with supplemental plans to cover these exclusions.

The primary requirements for Medicare are age and citizenship or residency. You generally need to be 65 or older and a U.S. citizen or legal resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five consecutive years. Younger individuals can qualify if they have a qualifying disability or End-Stage Renal Disease, meeting specific criteria.

Your monthly Medicare cost varies significantly. Part A is often premium-free, but Part B has a standard monthly premium that can be higher based on your income. Medicare Advantage plans and Part D plans have their own monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayments, which differ greatly between providers and coverage levels.