Medicare is health insurance coverage for those over the age of 65, under the age of 65 with specific disabilities and any person with permanent kidney failure. To be eligible, you must have entered in the United States in a way recognized by law and lived for 5 years. The need for a medical program for seniors became apparent in the 1950s, but it was not until 1965 when Congress passed the laws that created Medicare. Just like Social Security, those individuals contribute to Medicare during the years they work. It is a federal program so guidelines for eligibility and services are very similar in all states.

Health insurance is just one of those things. If you think the fact that you have health insurance will protect you against all health problems and incurring costly health expenditures, this is not always true. Your doctor may have a way of trying to treat a disease or injury but it is for your health insurance company that will determine whether or not they are willing to pay for such treatments.

It’s important to realize that it is only a matter of time before the government starts regulating health care. As part of this proposed plan one can be penalized and fined if they are not covered by health insurance. So in order to protect yourself it is wise to give yourself some time to get used to paying health insurance and health insurance premiums. This could also mean adjusting your budget, but better sooner than later.