What Is Medicare and How Does It Work?
Meet the parts of Medicare and understand your main coverage choices.
Read the guideYour Medicare
starting point.
Find care, explore coverage, and make sense of Medicare.
Your Medicare
starting point.
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New to Medicare? Start here.
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: What's the Difference?
Get a clear look at the two main ways to receive your Medicare benefits.
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When Should I Enroll in Medicare?
Understand when to enroll and which questions to ask about your situation.
Read the guideFind a provider.
Primary care, preventive visits, and specialists. Start with the care you need.
Explore Medicare plans.
Learn about Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D coverage options.
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Common questions
Does Medicare Cover Dental Care?
Original Medicare usually does not cover routine dental care, but it may cover dental services tied to certain medical treatments. Learn the exceptions.
Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams and Glasses?
Original Medicare generally excludes eye exams for glasses and most eyewear. Some eye care and eyewear after cataract surgery may be covered.
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or fitting exams, but it may cover diagnostic hearing and balance tests. Medicare Advantage benefits vary.
Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Care?
Medicare covers inpatient and outpatient mental health care, therapy, screenings, and certain intensive programs. Learn how Parts A, B, and D apply.
Does Medicare Cover Physical Therapy?
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary outpatient physical therapy. Learn about certification, costs, visit limits, and Medicare Advantage rules.
Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home or Long-Term Care?
Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial nursing home care. Learn how short-term skilled care differs and what may help pay.
You don’t have to figure it out alone
A little more help, when you need it.
Official information and independent guidance for your next step.
Medicare.gov
Go straight to the source for Medicare benefits, enrollment, and coverage information.
Visit Medicare.govIndependent Medicare counseling
Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased, one-on-one help.
Find your local SHIPMedicare Plan Finder
Use Medicare’s official tool to compare health and prescription drug plans.
Compare on Medicare.govThe information on this page and in our Medicare guides is for general educational purposes. It does not determine your eligibility or guarantee coverage. Medicare rules, plan benefits, costs, and provider networks can change. Confirm details with Medicare, your plan, or a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor before making coverage decisions.