Is Medicare Considered Health Insurance? 
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed to provide coverage for individuals who are age 65 or older - people under 65 can qualify for Medicare as well if they have certain disabilities or have ESRD -LRB- end-stage renal disease -RRB- . Part A and Part B make up `` Original Medicare , '' Part C is called Medicare Advantage , and Part D is called stand-alone prescription drug plans . Many people with Original Medicare also look at buying a Medicare Supplement -LRB- Medigap -RRB- plan to cover the gaps in Original Medicare . 