While the majority of people enrolled in Medicare do fulfill the standard age requirement, there are some people who can qualify earlier due to disability. Let’s discuss what qualifications must be met and whether or not you are eligible for Medicare.
Medicare’s Standard Age Enrollment
The typical enrollment age for Medicare is 65. People who reach that age and have been paying the necessary Medicare taxes will be automatically enrolled and can make any changes to that enrollment during the Initial Enrollment Period. If you aren’t yet 65, there’s still the possibility that you’re eligible for Medicare enrollment and may even be enrolled automatically.
Whether or not you qualify for Medicare early will depend on if you have a qualifying disability. If you do, you’ll have access to both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Which Medicare plan you choose will depend on the type of coverage you select and how much you’re willing to pay each month.
Medicare Enrollment and Disability Benefits
Those with certain disabilities qualify for Medicare before their 65th birthday. To meet this requirement, the individual must have a specific diagnosis.
You’ll receive Medicare benefits automatically if you’ve been:
- Receiving disability benefits from the RRB for 24 months or more
OR
- Receiving disability benefits from Social Security for 24 months or more
If you’re automatically enrolled, you’ll receive Original Medicare. This consists of Parts A and B, providing both hospital and health insurance. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you 3 months prior to your 25th month of disability benefits. If you’re automatically enrolled and unsure as to what coverage you’re now receiving, give us a call. We can go over your enrollment together and decide if it’s the best plan based on your medical needs.
If you’re under 65, you’ll continue to receive Medicare benefits for as long as you remain medically disabled. If you’re no longer qualified to receive Medicare benefits due to disability, you’ll still be able to enroll at 65 if you’ve met the tax requirements.
Why Qualify for Medicare?
Enrolling in Medicare can reduce financial stress and open up more medical treatment possibilities. Certain plans mean gaining access to doctors and new treatments that can be life-changing.
If you think you qualify for Medicare, contact an insurance professional today who can look at your specific situation. At Cornerstone Senior Advisors, our team has been trained to help individuals through their Medicare enrollment. We can provide support, answer questions, and guide you through the necessary paperwork to ensure you’ve selected the right insurance plan.