What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that began in 1965. Insurance provided by Medicare is divided into two parts, Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A covers hospital related expenses and Medicare Part B covers medical related expenses. For comprehensive information about all the benefits provided under Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, click on the links below:

Medicare and You 2010*

Your Medicare Benefits*

WI Guide for Medicare 2010*

Generally, a person is eligible for Medicare if he or she or a spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment and he or she is 65 years old and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Younger people with a disability or chronic kidney disease may also qualify for Medicare.

There is no premium for Medicare Part A for most eligible Medicare recipient. The Part B premium for 2007 is $93.50 per month. This premium is deducted directly from the recipient's Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or Civil Service Retirement check.

To learn more about Medicare, visit:
www.medicare.gov - The official U.S. Government site for people with Medicare.

cms.hhs.gov - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that runs the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

www.ssa.gov - The official website of the Social Security Administration.