Medicare and Medicaid - Your Guide to Understanding the Programs

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What Is Medicare?

How the federal insurance program helps older Americans afford the health care vital to their well-being

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New Federal Rule Makes COVID-19 Vaccines Free

Americans with Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, as well as uninsured, won't pay

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AARP Answers: Medicare and the Coronavirus

The latest on free testing, telehealth, elective surgeries and more

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New Regulations Could Lead to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

One rule would tie prices of some drugs to international prices

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Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Which path you take will determine how you get your medical care — and how much it costs

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Latest Updates on Coronavirus for Older Americans

As states reopen, high-risk individuals are asked to stay home in early phases

A side view of a female surgeon arranging medical tools on table. Healthcare worker is preparing for surgery. She is wearing scrubs in operating room at hospital

CMS Loosens Rules for Coronavirus Testing

Medicare and Medicaid will no longer require a doctor’s prescription for COVID-19 screening

Medicare Basics

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Understanding Medicare’s Four Basic Parts

A guide to hospital, doctor, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug care

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7 Things That Medicare Does Not Cover

You’ll need to plan ahead to pay for some common medical expenses

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Do You Know How Much Medicare Costs?

Monthly premiums, other out-of-pocket expenses can add up

Medigap Plans Help Bridge Gap of Original Medicare Costs

Supplemental insurance will cover some deductibles and copays

Mature woman researching medication on tablet computer.

What You Need to Know About Part D Prescription Drug Plans

How to make sure that the medicines you are taking are covered

Doctor talking with patient

Medicare Advantage Plans Adding Benefits for 2020

Extras can range from nutrition visits to even cleaning your carpet

Medicare and Medicaid cards

Combining Medicare and Medicaid Can Save You Money

Becoming a ‘dual eligible’ can help with out-of-pocket medical expenses

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How Much Do You Know About the Medicare Program?

Take this quiz and discover how knowledgeable you are about the health insurance program

Following the Rules

10 Common Medicare Mistakes to Watch Out For

How to avoid financial penalties and picking the wrong plan

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Medicare Makes It Easier to Compare Care Online

New interactive tool searches doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, rehab, hospice and more

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Medicare Eligibility: Do You Know if You Qualify?

Here are the requirements to be eligible for health care coverage

Does Medicare Pay For ...

Video Spotlight

Understanding the Parts of Medicare

Why Location Matters to Your Coverage

Key Medicare Terms and Definitions

Tools and Resources

Medicare for Dummies

Medicare for Dummies — Get the Benefits You Deserve

In "Medicare For Dummies," AARP’s Medicare expert helps you navigate the confusing maze

Medicare I D card on a table

How Much Do You Know About Medicare?

Take this quiz and discover how knowledgeable you are about the health insurance program

A doctor helps his patient understand Medicare and explains all his questions and addresses his concerns.

AARP’s Medicare Question and Answer Tool

Fast access to the questions you have about how the program works

Latest Medicare News

AARP In Your State

Visit the AARP state page for information about events, news and resources near you.