No, Medicare does not cover everything. While it provides broad coverage for hospital care, doctor visits, preventive services, and prescription drugs (depending on your plan), there are gaps such as dental, vision, hearing aids, and most long-term care. Many people choose to add supplemental insurance (Medigap or Medicare Advantage) to help cover these out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, while Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to individuals and families with low income and limited resources. Some people qualify for both, which is called “dual eligibility.”

Medicare is not entirely free. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A (hospital insurance) if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough, but there are still deductibles and coinsurance. Part B (doctor and outpatient services) and Part D (prescription drug coverage) usually require monthly premiums, and Medicare Advantage plans can also have costs.

If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you’re usually enrolled in Medicare automatically. If not, you’ll need to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before your 65th birthday and lasts for seven months. Missing this window could result in penalties or coverage delays.

No, Medicare does not cover most long-term care, such as extended stays in nursing homes or custodial care (help with daily activities like bathing and dressing). It may cover short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation after a hospital stay, but for ongoing long-term care needs, people often rely on Medicaid, long-term care insurance, or personal savings.

Yes, you can change Medicare plans. Each year, there’s an Open Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7) when you can switch between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Part D prescription drug plans. Additionally, Medicare Advantage has a separate Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31) that lets you change Advantage plans or go back to Original Medicare.