Medicare is individual health insurance offered to U.S. citizens and other eligible individuals based on age, disability or qualifying medical condition.

Medicare coverage includes Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) offered by the federal government, and Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D prescription drug coverage, which are offered by private insurance companies.

Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) plans are also offered by private insurance companies and help pay for some out-of-pocket expenses that Medicare Part A and Part B don’t pay.

Medicaid is a federal and state program in place for low-income families, seniors and individuals with mental or physical disabilities. People qualify for Medicaid by meeting federal income standards. The program is operated on a state-by-state basis and may be called different names depending on where you live.

Around 49% of Americans get health insurance coverage through their employers. That’s nearly 157 million people.  Employer-sponsored health plans play a big role in benefits packages. our employer may offer more than one plan for you to consider. As you compare your options, consider what might work best for your budget and your care needs. These plans may include dental, vision, prescription drugs and so many more benefits.

• An open enrollment period is a window of time that opens up once a year (often in the fall) when someone can sign up for health insurance, adjust a current plan or cancel your plan.
  
  
• It’s usually limited to a few weeks. Once you miss it, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period to make any changes.