Best medicare — Seattle, WA

Medicare is the federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older. It also covers younger individuals with certain disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease. It helps pay for hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs, managing healthcare costs.

Original Medicare typically does not cover services like most dental care, routine eye exams, hearing aids, long-term custodial care, cosmetic surgery, and routine foot care. You may need a Medicare Advantage plan or supplemental insurance for these.

To be eligible for Medicare, you generally need to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, be at least 65 years old (or have a qualifying disability/ESRD), and have resided in the U.S. for at least five years. You also need to have paid Medicare taxes.

Your monthly Medicare costs can vary significantly. Your income level can affect your premiums for Parts B and D, and the type of plan you choose (Original Medicare with supplemental, or Medicare Advantage) will impact your overall expenses. Prescription drug needs also factor in.

No, Medicare costs are not the same for everyone. Premiums for Part D plans vary based on the plan and your prescription usage. Some state programs may offer assistance.

Medicare isn't entirely free after 65. Part A, for hospital stays, is often premium-free if you've worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. However, Part B, for medical services, usually has a monthly premium, and other coverage options may have costs.