The official U.S. government website for Medicare, a health insurance program for people age 65 or older and younger people with disabilities. Generally, Medicare is for people 65 or older. You may be able to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease). Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States for people age 65 or older and younger people with disabilities, including those with end stage renal disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease). Learn how Medicare works for people 65 and older or with a disability. See if you are eligible, how to enroll, and locate a Medicare-certified provider. Medicare operates through four distinct parts, each covering specific healthcare services. Parts A and B form “Original Medicare,” the government-run foundation of the program. Part C offers an alternative through private insurance companies, while Part D adds prescription drug coverage. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and some under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Plan for your Medicare needs. First, you’ll sign up for Medicare. Then, you’ll choose the coverage option that best fits your health care needs and preferences. Medicare is different from private insurance — it doesn’t offer plans for couples or families. You don’t have to make the same choice as your spouse. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for: People age 65 or older; People with certain disabilities; or People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.) Original Medicare, sometimes called traditional Medicare, combines Part A insurance for hospitalization and Part B coverage for everyday medical services into the federal government’s foundation of health care for older Americans. Learn more about Medicare, including expert guidance on coverage, benefits and eligibility.