What is Medicare? Who is eligible? Four parts of medicare, and who pays for health care?

Jacob Torres • January 21, 2021

What is Medicare?

 Medicare is a national health care program for individuals who are 65 and older. It is through center of Medicare and Medicaid services and paid through the Social Security Administration. 

Who is Eligible?

  •  65 and older
  • US citizen or legal resident in the USA for at least 5 years.
  • 65 and younger may be eligible with underlining disability.

The 4 Parts

  • Part A cover part of hospital insurance.
  • Part B covers Medicare services such as office visits.


Part C and D is where Private Insurance comes into play


  • Part C

 Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare pays flat payment to the private insurance company


  • Part D 

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

It is important to enroll as you may face penalty if you do not enroll. 


Who Pays for Health Insurance?

If you are under 65:

  • Employer
  • Retiree Plan
  • Cobra
  • Individual Plan


  • After you turn 65:
  • Medicare usually pays first.
  • Primary insurances then become secondary


Note: Unless you are still working and the employers group plan has 20 or more employees OR if your spouse is still working. 


If you need help understanding your options please give us a call at 727-688-3330.


Start your Medicare planning 

Best Advice Medicare, Clearwater's most trusted Medicare planning advocate

A man and a woman are posing for a picture in front of a tree.
By Jacob Torres June 1, 2021
Original Medicare has two parts
A man in a suit is sitting on a bench using a laptop computer.
By Jacob Torres April 21, 2021
Why signing up for Medicare Part B is important.
An elderly woman wearing glasses is sitting in a chair holding a cup of coffee.
By Jacob Torres April 7, 2021
Why Medicare Supplement is a great option
An elderly woman wearing glasses and a pink hoodie is smiling.
By Jacob Torres April 2, 2021
Know your rights
An elderly couple is sitting on a couch hugging each other.
By Jacob Torres March 31, 2021
Evaluating your Medicare Supplement Choice
A man wearing a mask and a man wearing a pizza shirt
By Jacob Torres March 24, 2021
We recently sat down with Manny to ask two simple questions. Why did you choose Best Advice Medicare to help with your Medicare planning, and why did you choose a Medicare Advantage planâžșAetna Medicare Assure?
An elderly woman is sitting in a chair using a laptop computer.
By Jacob Torres March 18, 2021
Maximizing Medicare
Three women are sitting at a table in front of a laptop computer.
By Jacob Torres March 10, 2021
Feeling lost regarding your Medicare options? You are not alone.
An older woman is sitting at a table using a laptop computer.
By Jacob Torres February 24, 2021
Medicare Supplement Insurance covers the gaps that Medicare Part A and Part B have.
An elderly couple is sitting on a couch looking at a tablet.
By Jacob Torres February 11, 2021
Receiving Social Security Benefits
More Posts