English Reference
noun

medicare

n.
US /ˈmɛdəˌkɛɹ/ UK /mˈɛdɪkˌeə/ medi·care

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    a US government program that pays for healthcare for people over 65 and some people with disabilities.

    a federal health insurance program in the United States primarily for individuals aged 65 or older and younger people with specific disabilities.

    Simple

    My grandfather relies on Medicare to cover his monthly doctor visits.

    In context

    The debate over federal spending often focuses on the long-term sustainability of Medicare as the aging population increases demand for services.

    Usage

    Usually capitalized as a proper noun.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate British EnglishDialect

    the system in Australia that provides free or low-cost medical care to all citizens.

    the publicly funded universal healthcare system in Australia, providing access to medical services for all citizens and permanent residents.

    Simple

    You need to show your Medicare card when you visit a clinic in Sydney.

    In context

    The Australian government introduced Medicare to ensure that basic medical treatment remains accessible to all residents regardless of their income level.

    Usage

    Usually capitalized as a proper noun.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate American EnglishDialect

    the unofficial name for the public health insurance system in Canada.

    an informal but widely used term for the publicly funded single-payer health insurance system in Canada.

    Simple

    Canadians often take great pride in their system of medicare.

    In context

    While the Canada Health Act governs the standards, most citizens simply refer to the entire provincial insurance framework as medicare.

    Usage

    Often written in lowercase in Canadian English when referring to the general system.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated