What Is Medicare?

By Robin Hartill, CFP – Updated Nov 30, 2025 at 10:54 PM

Key Points

Medicare starts at 65 or earlier if disabled, covering hospital and medical costs but not long-term care.
Enroll in Medicare during a 7-month period around your 65th birthday to avoid late penalties.
Consider Medicare Advantage for additional coverages like dental, or get a long-term care insurance.

When you blow out the candles on your 65th birthday, you'll have extra reason to celebrate. For most people, Medicare eligibility begins at 65, although some people with certain disabilities qualify sooner. But Medicare is a complex federal health insurance program that can get confusing quickly. We'll walk you through the basics of how Medicare works.

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Medicare enrollment form. — Image source: Getty Images.

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Health Insurance Copayment

A fixed, predetermined amount that a person with health insurance pays out-of-pocket for covered services.

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About the Author

Robin Hartill, CFP, is a contributing writer at The Motley Fool. Robin’s work has also been published by Yahoo Finance, USA Today, and Penny Hoarder. She is a graduate of the University of Florida.

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