How Does Medicare Work as a Health Care Option?
Medicare is a federally-funded healthcare program, which is designed to deliver affordable health insurance for Americans starting at age 65. Much like Social Security, Medicare is designed to serve as a supplement to other types of healthcare coverage. Disabled individuals under the age of 65, and people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are also eligible for coverage by Medicare, but the coverage benefits are more limited than those available to older individuals. Most Americans are eligible for Medicare at age 65, even if they are not old enough to qualify for Social Security. In addition, they need to have paid into the system through Social Security taxes, for a total of at least 10 years. Social Security taxes are typically withheld from your paycheck by your employer or from your business earnings when you file your taxes. Once they turn 65, seniors have a seven-month enrollment window during which they can enroll in Medicare at no cost. When this period ends, however, penalti
