Medicare is a federal program that provides medical insurance for older people and persons with disabilities and covers most doctors’ fees. Each state has adopted the Medicare program, even though it is based on the same federal legislation passed in 1965. The program is funded by general tax revenues, which are received from a payroll tax deduction, along with beneficiary premiums and general revenues.

When you sign up for Original Medicare, you’ll be able to choose from one of Basic, Standard, Enhanced or Gold levels of coverage. Each level comes with different monthly premiums based on your income level.

Medicare has many parts because it provides various services to our country’s elderly and disabled. Medicare has four parts.

1. Part A

Part A covers inpatient hospital services, including overnight stays and ER visits. Part A also covers outpatient procedures like doctors’ visits and diagnostic tests. The Department of Health and Human Services determines what services are covered by Part A, but it does not cover long-term care or home health care.