That is how Medicare coverage of medical and hospital benefits has worked so well for the past 40 years.

In addition, he said that the bill would not do nearly enough to improve Medicare coverage of nursing home care.

Still others will fall back on basic Medicare coverage.

If you do not sign up, in some circumstances your Medicare coverage may be delayed and cost more.

During this time, you can sign up for any Medicare coverage you would like.

Under the proposal, people 55 to 64 years old could buy Medicare coverage by paying premiums of $300 to $400 a month.

Rates for supplementary Medicare coverage will rise to 36.72 a month from $27.88.

Under the agreement, Medicare coverage for drug benefits would begin in 2006.

Learn about other times when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage.

If you do not, your Medicare coverage may be delayed and cost more.