Medicare is the federal program for health insurance, and anyone over 65 has access to it. It is an amazing initiative, but there are many Medicare myths that you should be aware of because they can destroy your retirement.

Medicare is designed to help you pay for various medical services, and it also offers prescription drug coverage. In order to offer coverage for seniors age 65 and older without health insurance, Congress amended the Social Security Act in 1965, and that’s how the program was established.

One thing to know is that you don’t need to do anything in order to be enrolled in this program. If you receive Social Security benefits, you will automatically be enrolled once you turn 65. You will benefit from Medicare Part A, which covers hospital costs, and Medicare Part B, which covers your visits to the doctor.

Read on to find out the most common Medicare myths and the truth behind them.