1. Who We Are
Medicare.co is an independent educational website that provides general information about the Medicare program. We are not affiliated with the U.S. government, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), or the official Medicare program. When this policy refers to "we," "us," or "our," it means Medicare.co.
2. Information We Collect
We collect limited information to operate and improve the site:
- Usage data: Pages visited, time on site, referring URLs, browser type, and device type — collected automatically through Google Analytics when you consent to analytics cookies.
- Cookies: Small text files stored on your device. We use functional cookies (to remember your cookie consent choice) and, with your consent, analytics cookies (Google Analytics).
- IP address: May be collected by our hosting provider and analytics services in anonymized or pseudonymized form.
We do not collect your name, email, phone number, health information, insurance information, or financial information unless you voluntarily submit it through a contact form (if available).
3. How We Use Information
- To understand how visitors use the site and improve content and navigation
- To measure which pages are most helpful
- To maintain site security and performance
- To comply with legal obligations
We do not use your information for targeted advertising, and we do not sell your personal information.
4. Cookies
We use two types of cookies:
- Strictly necessary cookies: Required for the site to function (e.g., storing your cookie consent preference). These are always active.
- Analytics cookies (Google Analytics): Used to understand how visitors interact with the site. These are only activated with your consent. You can decline analytics cookies using our cookie consent banner.
You can manage cookies through your browser settings or by using our consent banner. Declining analytics cookies does not affect your ability to use the site.
5. Google Analytics
When you consent to analytics cookies, we use Google Analytics (provided by Google LLC) to analyze site traffic. Google Analytics may collect and process data including pages visited, session duration, and approximate location. This data is processed by Google in accordance with their Privacy Policy. We have configured Google Analytics with IP anonymization enabled. You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
6. Third-Party Links
Our site contains links to third-party websites including Medicare.gov, SSA.gov, and others. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
7. Data Retention
Analytics data is retained for 14 months in Google Analytics (our configured retention period), after which it is automatically deleted. Cookie consent preferences are stored locally on your device until cleared.
8. Children's Privacy
Medicare.co is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.
9. California Residents — Your CCPA/CPRA Rights
If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA):
- Right to Know: You have the right to request information about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you, the sources, the purposes, and the categories of third parties we share it with.
- Right to Delete: You have the right to request deletion of personal information we have collected about you, subject to certain exceptions.
- Right to Correct: You have the right to request correction of inaccurate personal information.
- Right to Opt Out of Sale: You have the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information.
- Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising any of your CCPA rights.
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Although we do not sell personal information, California residents may exercise this right by declining analytics cookies using our cookie consent banner (click "Decline" when the banner appears, or manage your preference in your browser's cookie settings). You can also contact us directly using the information below.
To exercise your CCPA rights (know, delete, correct), please contact us. We will respond within 45 days.
10. Rights for Other Users
Users in certain other jurisdictions (including the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom) may have additional privacy rights. While this site is primarily directed to U.S. residents, we aim to comply with applicable privacy laws. Contact us to exercise any applicable rights.
11. Security
We take reasonable measures to protect information transmitted to and stored by our site, including HTTPS encryption. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact Us
For privacy-related questions, requests, or concerns, please contact us at: privacy@medicare.co