There is nothing more important than your health and the health of your family. Of course, education, food and shelter are also important, but at the end of the day the health of our family is probably the most important thing to us. After all, how can we get good education, put food on our table and build our family good shelter when we cannot get up to work every morning.

In the past, people go to work seven or six days a week to feed their families and put clothes in their backs. But there is no medical care available so they just spent most of their money on food, education and other living expenses. But in the 1950s, the officials of the Social Security administration noticed that older Americans were facing a health crisis. With the increasing number of older Americans each year, the Social Security Administration and the Congress established the Medicare program. Medicare applies to everybody over the age of 65. As the population ages, so is the risk of certain serious health conditions. But if you are covered by Medicare, you likely qualify for a number of benefits that could help prevent life-threatening illnesses.

The benefits you can avail of when you are covered by Medicare may include tests for prostate cancer, breast, vaginal, cervical and colorectal cancer, diabetes monitoring, bone mass measurements and pneumonia and hepatitis B shots. Although Medicare is mostly available for older Americans, younger people with disabilities and people with end stage renal disease may also be eligible.

The Medicare program has two parts, Part A otherwise known as Hospital insurance and Part B or Medicare insurance. Part A covers home health and hospice care, hospital and skilled nursing facility while Part B covers outpatient hospital services, doctor’s services, and other medical services and supplies. Eligibility for Medicare requires that you have to be a US citizen or have been a permanent legal resident for five continues years and you are 65 years old and older.

Remember that illness and disease unlike aging can be prevented. Hence, it is essential that you have a healthy lifestyle and make it a point to take advantage of the medical and preventive services available to you. When you have done this, the chances of your living to your golden years will be higher.