Medicare is a federal health program for qualified individuals. It was created to provide healthcare coverage for seniors to cover their hospital and medical costs (Part A and B). Other parts of Medicare, like Part C, Part D, and Medicare Supplements are optional choices to add, but can also provide much-needed coverage for some. However, to enroll in Medicare, you must meet the eligibility requirements.
People Aged 65 or Older
This is the most common way that many people become eligible for Original Medicare. In fact, you can become eligible for premium-free Part A while meeting this age requirement, as well as if you or your spouse worked and paid taxes into Medicare for at least ten years, also referred to as 40 quarters.
Other ways to qualify for premium-free Part A include:
- Getting benefits from Social Security
- Getting benefits from the RRB
- Being eligible to get retirement benefits from Social Security or the RRB
- You had Medicare-covered government employment
- Your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment
Even if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, you can still enroll in this part of Medicare, including Part B, during the Initial Enrollment Period. This period starts three months before your 65th birthday then ends three months after.
People Who Receive Disability Benefits From Social Security/RRB
Apart from becoming eligible due to age, people under the age of 65 who receive disability benefits also qualify for Medicare. You can become eligible for Medicare if you receive disability benefits from Social Security or from the Railroad Retirement Board. People who receive disability benefits from Social Security will be automatically eligible for Medicare if they have received the benefits for up to 24 months.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and End-Stage Renal Disease
If you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or End-Stage Renal Disease, you become eligible for Medicare once you receive your diagnosis. To qualify for Medicare as a result of ESRD, you must need a kidney transplant or regular dialysis.
Medicare will then begin coverage after the first dialysis. Medicare will stop the coverage after the beneficiary no longer needs dialysis or gets a kidney transplant.
You can also qualify for Medicare if you are diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. In fact, your coverage will start as soon as your first month of disability benefits begins.
For more information about your Medicare eligibility, contact us today. We’re ready to help you get the coverage you need!