You can learn more about Medicare at www.medicare.gov, which is the official site of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (the agency that administers Medicare). You can also use this site to apply for Medicare online.

Please click here for a copy of Medicare & You 2012, which is the official government handbook with information including the following:

• What’s New (page 4)
• What Medicare Covers (page 31)
• Your Medicare Choices [health and prescription drug plans]  (page 55)
• Your Medicare Rights (page 105)

Click here for Medicare Part B premiums (the standard premium is $99.90); Part A ($1160) and B  ($140) deductible, copay , and coinsurance ($20%) amounts; and here for information about additional premiums  required to be paid by high-income individuals  for Part B premiums and Part D Prescription Drug plans for 2012.

You may qualify to save money on health care and/or drug costs if you are eligible for any of these programs. Click here for more information about applying for Medicaid.