There are four parts to Medicare: Hospital Insurance (Part A), Medical Insurance (Part B), Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D).

• Part A benefits help pay for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, home health care and hospice care. They are provided to eligible individuals free of charge.

• Part B benefits help to pay for doctor's services, outpatient treatment and some preventative services.  They are provided to eligible individuals subject to payment of a monthly premium.

• Part C provides alternative Medicare coverage run by private companies.  It operates like an HMO or PPO.  It includes Part A and Part B coverage and usually other coverage including prescription drugs.  Eligible individuals who choose to enroll in Part C pay a monthly premium for this coverage. 

• Part D provides prescription drug coverage.

Individuals who have received SSD for 24 months, including disabled widows/widowers and disabled adult children, are eligible for Medicare benefits subject to payment of applicable premiums.  

Generally, the non-disabled dependents of an SSD recipient, including spouses, divorced spouses, widows/widower, and parents, are not eligible for Medicare unless they are 65 years of age or older.  

More specific information about Medicare may be obtained by visiting http://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp