Medicare is a U.S. federal health insurance program mainly for people 65 or older, or for younger people with certain disabilities or specific medical conditions.You may become eligible for Medicare based on one of the following:

You are 65 or older

You are under 65 with a qualifying disability. Medicare eligibility starts after 24 months of receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

You have a diagnosis at any age of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS,also called Lou Gehrig’s disease).

All Medicare applicants need to be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident who have resided in the United States continuously for at least five years.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies contracted through Medicare as an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans combine all of the benefits of Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical), and may also include prescription drug coverage, if they are Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans.These plans combine all of the benefits of Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical), and may also include prescription drug coverage, dental or vision coverage all for an affordable and sometimes $0 monthly plan premium.

What are Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)?Medicare Part D plans add prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans.A prescription drug plan may help you save money on existing prescriptions or on medication needs in the future.