Medicare Overview

Medicare beneficiaries may choose to obtain Medicare-covered services in one of two ways: through Traditional Medicare (also called Original or fee-for-service Medicare) or by enrolling in one of the Medicare Advantage or MA (also known as Medicare Part C) private health care plans available in their location.

Regardless of whether a Medicare beneficiary receives services through Traditional Medicare or MA, there are common issues that cut across the program, including benefits, financing, quality improvement initiatives, value-based purchasing, coverage of new technologies, mental health coverage, and beneficiary rights.