Medicare is the federal government’s health insurance program for older adults and individuals with qualifying disabilities. Created in 1965 and expanded over time, Medicare is a critical source of health insurance for millions of Americans. It can also be confusing to navigate, as it is divided into four parts, each with different benefits, limitations, and costs to beneficiaries.
This fact sheet provides a short summary of Medicare, including the differences between its four parts and how “Medigap” supplemental insurance operates.
