Medicare is our country's health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can also qualify for Medicare, including those with disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure.

The program helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. You have choices for how you get Medicare coverage. You can choose to have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) coverage or you can buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy from a private insurance company.