Medicare is a Federal health insurance program for people 65 years of age and older. Medicare has two parts, Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A covers stays in the hospital. Part B helps pay for doctors’ services, outpatient hospital care and services like physical and occupational therapy.

Most people get Part A automatically when they turn age 65. They do not have to pay a monthly premium because they, or a spouse, paid Medicare taxes while working. Medicare Part B is optional and has a premium, or monthly cost, to subscribers.

For more information on Medicare Part A and Part B, go to the Medicare Web site.