Federal health insurance for people 65+ and certain younger people with disabilities.
Medicare has 4 parts: Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), Part C (Medicare Advantage), Part D (prescription drugs). Most people get Part A premium-free.
Comprehensive health coverage
Who qualifies
Health insurance for people 65 or older who meet citizenship or residency requirements. May be eligible earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).
Last reviewed: 2026-10-19. UnifiedAid is an independent service and is not a government agency. Applications and approval decisions are made only by the official agency.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for Medicare?
Health insurance for people 65 or older who meet citizenship or residency requirements. May be eligible earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).
How much does Medicare pay?
Typical benefit: Comprehensive health coverage.
What documents do I need to apply?
Birth certificate, SSN, Proof of US citizenship/legal residence, Employer health plan info.
How long does the application take?
Most people complete the application in about 30 minutes. Processing time varies by state but is typically 30 days or less.