I have questions about Medicare

[brokechris]

I am years away from being eligible for Medicare myself--and strongly believe in preserving it. It is a promise we have made to the older generation and we BETTER NOT renege on it.

However--can someone simply explain to me some of the ins and outs of how the Medicare system works? I see stuff about part A Part B etc--what are all these different pieces to it? Are you automatically enrolled in all the parts or do they cost extra?

I know that some people have some sort of supplemental insurance that works along with Medicare--is this necessary or does Medicare on its own cover most needs?

I have heard that it is nearly impossible to get private insurance if you are elderly--so people have no choice other than Medicare. Is this true? Will the new law help with this? (If a senior wants to buy a private policy to supplement their Medicare?) After all--if they can no longer discriminate for pre existing conditions--why allow them to discriminate based on age?