Eligibility For Medicare
As you get older, there are a lot of things to think about when it comes to your health. One important question is whether or not you’re eligible for Medicare. If you’re not yet eligible for Medicare, now is the time to start preparing.
When you reach 65, you become eligible for Medicare. People disabled for at least 24 months under Social Security are also eligible. In addition, if you are a U.S. citizen who has lived in the U.S. for at least five years, you may qualify for Medicare coverage when you reach 65.
We’ll review what to anticipate when you reach 65 and become Medicare eligible. We’ll also go over your other healthcare alternatives and how to pick the best plan for you. Stay tuned for more helpful tips on aging gracefully!
How Do I Sign Up for Medicare for the First Time?
If you are under the age of 65 and meet one of the following criteria, you may be eligible for Medicare:
- You are eligible if you are disabled and have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months.
- When you suffer from end-stage renal disease, which is a form of kidney damage that requires dialysis or a transplant.
- If you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
If you think you might be eligible for Medicare, the best thing to do is sign up as soon as possible. You can sign up online at www.Medicare.gov, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
Eligibility for Medicare Part A
At the age of 65, if you or your spouse have been paid Medicare taxes in the U.S. for at least ten years, you are eligible for Medicare Part A. During those years, you contributed to your Part A hospital insurance premiums. As a result, when most individuals get eligible for Medicare, they pay no Part A premiums. Part A pays for most of your inpatient medical costs, including hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services.
You can enroll in Medicare Part A three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, or three months after your 65th birthday. However, if you sign up for Part A after age 65 and do not have other healthcare coverage, you may be subject to a late enrollment fee. In addition, late enrollment Part A penalties may apply to those who didn’t earn premium free Part A. Follow this link to Medicare’s website to learn more if you have a Part A late enrollment penalty.
You can purchase Medicare Part A if you have not worked the necessary ten years to qualify. Find out how much it will cost you by contacting Social Security. If you must buy Part A, the coverage will set you back almost $500 each month. However, some premiums apply to specific portions of people who have worked more than 30 quarters but less than 40 quarters. Suppose you have already enrolled in Social Security benefits and are approaching 65. In that case, you may be automatically enrolled in Part A (and Part B). If you’re turning 65, your Medicare card should arrive at your house around four to six weeks before the first of the month of your 65th birthday.
Medicare Part B Eligibility
Many older adults approaching 65 still have health insurance provided by their work. Therefore, they can wait to join Part B if their employer’s health insurance has 20 or more individuals enrolled in the plan. In addition, they can delay their Part B until after they no longer have health insurance provided through their employer.
Contact a Medicare insurance specialist if you put off enrolling in Part B. They can explain the unique election periods you must follow later on so you won’t be penalized for late enrollment.
Part B contains a monthly fee withdrawn automatically from your Social Security benefits if you receive them. However, suppose you are not receiving Social Security benefits. In that case, you will receive a bill every three months for your Part B Premiums.
Medicare Part C Eligibility Requirements
You must:
- Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to be eligible for Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage).
- You must reside in the Medicare Advantage Plan’s service area.
Many people believe that if they join a Medicare Advantage plan, they will no longer have to pay Part B premiums. That is entirely untrue. To be eligible to join a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap coverage program, you must have Medicare A and B. Suppose you decide to leave the Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. In that case, you may be subject to answering health-related underwriting questions to qualify for a Medigap-Medicare Supplement insurance plan.
Medicare Part D Eligibility
You will be qualified for Medicare Part D if you are already enrolled in one of the two components, Part A or Part B. You must also reside in a Part D plan’s service area. If you have no other drug insurance, Medicare Part D is highly recommended. Part D protects against future large prescription drug expenditures. It will also assist you in receiving lower copays for medicines you take now.
Medicare enrollees have the opportunity to sign up for Part D. They can do so during their Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before they turn 65, the month they turn 65, and three months after they turn 65, which is the seven-month period. Also, the Annual Election period runs from October 15 – December 7 each year. There is also a Special Election Period for different circumstances. For example, losing employer group coverage is a Special Election to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan.
You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and speak with a customer service representative to help you choose the best plan for your needs. You should be aware that if you do not join Part D and have no other creditable coverage, you will be charged late penalties if you enroll later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Get Medicare Under 65?
- Adults receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months are automatically enrolled in Medicare on the 25th month.
- Suppose you get Social Security disability benefits and have Lou Gehrig’s disease. In that case, you will be eligible for Medicare for the first month.
- Patients on dialysis or who have had a kidney transplant are eligible for Medicare.
When Can I Qualify for Medicare?
If you are 65 or older at the time of your enrollment, you will be entitled to Medicare. That is true regardless of when you enroll for Social Security retirement benefits.
Can I Get Medicare at the age of 62?
You can only receive Medicare before age 65 because of disability or another extended circumstance.
At What Age Do You Apply for Medicare?
You can fill out an application three months before your 65th birthday month and ending three months following your 65th birthday month.
How Long Do You Have to Work in the U.S. to Get Medicare?
Medicare payroll taxes must have been paid for at least ten years (40 quarters) to be eligible for premium-free Part A. You might qualify through your spouse if you didn’t pay Medicare taxes.
Do You Have to Sign up for Medicare at 65?
You do not need to sign up for Medicare at age 65, but if you don’t have any other creditable health coverage, you will be penalized for delaying your Medicare enrollment. You must also be aware that if you file for Social Security disability benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A after 24 consecutive months of receiving Social Security disability benefits.
Who is Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?
It is possible to receive both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is the primary program in this situation, with Medicaid serving as a backup. Medicare is our national health insurance program for those aged 65 and older and persons with certain impairments. Medicaid is a federal and state program that aids low-income individuals.
Who is Eligible for Medicare Part D Coverage?
Anyone who is enrolled in Medicare Part A or B (or both) is qualified to participate in Part D. If you do not enroll when you are first eligible unless you have other creditable health insurance, you will be subject to a late penalty for Part D later.
