At age 65, Medicare is there to assist with your medical needs. But, the structure of Medicare is fragmented and you need to be aware of the different components and what each part covers.  

Further, Medicare does not cover 100% of your medical costs so additional steps must be taken to insure that you are fully covered.

Basically, there are three* Parts of Medicare that you need to be aware of:

Part A - hospital costs.

Part B - doctors and tests.

Part D - prescriptions.

At age 65, Medicare is there to assist with your medical needs. But, the structure of Medicare is fragmented and you need to be aware of the different components and what each part covers.  

Further, Medicare does not cover 100% of your medical costs so additional steps must be taken to insure that you are fully covered.

Basically, there are three* Parts of Medicare that you need to be aware of:

Part A - hospital costs.

Part B - doctors and tests.

Part D - prescriptions.

Medicare "assists" in paying the cost of these medical services but, you share a portion of the expenses. There are deductibles and co-insurance and co-pays that are your responsibility. There are also limits to Medicare coverage. 

This "gap" in your coverage can be closed by enrolling in a Medicare Supplement policy or "Medigap" Plan.  Different Plans have various levels of coverage.

Clearly, there is a "gap" in the coverage Medicare provides.  A prolonged hospital stay could be expensive.  The best way to protect yourself is with the purchase of a Supplemental Insurance Policy.

These Medigap policies are offered by private Insurance companies and must adhere to the strict standards of coverage that are outlined by Medicare.

These same Medigap Supplemental policies will also cover the "gaps" in your Medicare Part B coverage.