Glossary · Medicare
What is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. It is not part of the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Definition and figures from HealthCare.gov glossary, CMS fact sheet, checked October 23, 2026. This page explains the term; it does not recommend a plan.
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Medicare: the facts
| Item | Fact | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | People 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, people with ESRD | HealthCare.gov glossary: Medicare |
| Part B standard premium (2026) | $202.90 a month | CMS fact sheet: 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles (Nov 14, 2025) |
| Part A deductible (2026) | $1,736 per benefit period | CMS fact sheet: 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles (Nov 14, 2025) |
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Questions
What does medicare mean in health insurance?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. It is not part of the Health Insurance Marketplace.