According to the article “Medicare Made Clear” published by United Health, “the Medicare program helps 43 million Americans get the health care they need.” The large number of Americans helped by Medicare shows that it is important and absolutely necessary. Being informed about Medicare and Medicaid and learning about different aspects of the programs will be helpful to many Americans. Medicare is a federal health insurance program that includes hospital insurance, medical insurance, customizable plans, and prescription drug coverage. Eligibility requirements for Medicare include individuals who are at least 65 years old, disabled individuals younger than 65 years of age, and individuals of any age with end-stage renal disease. End-stage renal disease is defined as permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant. To be eligible for Medicare, an individual must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident for five consecutive years. Individuals must also be eligible for Social Security benefits with at least ten years of contribution payments. (Crust)Medicare Part A is also known as Hospital Insurance. This insurance helps pay for hospital stays, home health care, care in a skilled nursing facility, and some medical equipment. Medicare Part A also covers a semi-private room; hospital meals; intensive care; medications, medical supplies and medical equipment as inpatient; laboratory tests, x-rays and radiation therapy as an inpatient; operating room; and rehabilitation services. Payroll taxes are used to cover Medicare Part A costs; therefore a monthly premium is not paid. Cost sharing, such as deductibles, copays and coinsurance, may be required. If an individual is entitled to Medi...... middle of paper ......payments. However, pregnant women, children under 18, and hospital or nursing home patients who contribute the majority of their income to institutional care are excluded from cost-sharing. Emergency services and family planning services are also exempt from cost sharing. (Costa) Bottom line, Medicare and Medicaid are available to seniors, disabled people, and low-income individuals or families. Both are supported by the government. Each of them has their own characteristics, but their similarity is that they are on site to offer assistance to people in need. Works Cited “Medicare Made Clear.” AARP Health Care. United Health. Network. 25 November 2013. .Crosta, Pietro. “What is Medicare/Medicaid?” MNT. NP Network. November 25 2013. .