---
id: "epm:4.2.1.4"
source: "Minnesota Health Care Programs Eligibility Policy Manual"
source_short: "EPM"
publisher: "Minnesota Department of Human Services"
section: "4.2.1.4"
title: "Medicare Overview"
breadcrumb: "4 Other Health Care Programs > 4.2 Medicare Savings Programs > 4.2.1 General Requirements > 4.2.1.4 Medicare Overview"
effective_date: 2016-06-01
last_modified: 2026-10-03T03:58:38.571566+00:00
version: 1
url: "https://bot-corpus.mn-dhs.online/s/epm/4.2.1.4"
official_origin: "https://hcopub.dhs.state.mn.us/epm/4_2_1_4.htm"
legal_citations:
  - "United States Code, title 42, section 1395c"
  - "United States Code, title 42, section 1395j"
  - "United States Code, title 42, section 1395w"
---
# EPM 4.2.1.4 Medicare Overview

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for most people age 65 or older, people who are certified disabled, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) determines who is eligible for Medicare. Medicare eligibility usually begins the month a person turns age 65. People who have been certified disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) have a 24 month wait before Medicare coverage can start.

Medicare has four parts:
- Part A is hospitalization insurance. Most people are entitled to premium-free Medicare Part A if they or their spouse has the required work history. Adult children with a disability may be eligible based on their parent’s work history. People who do not have required work history can pay a premium for Medicare Part A.
- Part B is medical insurance. Medicare Part B has a monthly premium.
- Part C is Medicare Advantage. Most Medicare beneficiaries can choose to participate in Medicare Advantage plans, which combine Part A, Part B, and, sometimes, Part D coverage. Private insurance companies approved by CMS manage Medicare Advantage plans. Many Medicare Advantage plans only charge the monthly Part B premium, others have higher monthly premiums and offer additional benefits.
- Part D is prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part D is available to people entitled to premium-free Medicare Part A or enrolled in Medicare Part B. Enrollment in Medicare Part D is voluntary, but premium penalties apply for late enrollment by people without other drug coverage. People have a wide variety of Medicare-approved plans from which to choose. Some Part D beneficiaries who have limited income and assets are eligible for premium and cost sharing subsidies. These subsidies are referred to as Extra Help or Low-Income Subsidy (LIS).

A person can be on all, some, or one of the Medicare parts at a time.

See the [Types of MSP](https://bot-corpus.mn-dhs.online/s/epm/4.2.1.7) policy for information about how MSPs help people keep their Medicare coverage by paying some Medicare expenses.

## Legal Citations

- United States Code, title 42, section 1395c
- United States Code, title 42, section 1395j
- United States Code, title 42, section 1395w