Am I eligible for Medicare?
Medicare is the United States health insurance program for people age 65 or older, and those under 65 in certain circumstances. Those qualified for Medicare must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident who has lived in the United States for five years or more. Medicare helps with the cost of health care but does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.
If you currently receive Social Security benefits, you’ll get Medicare Part A and Part B automatically when you are eligible and do not need to sign up. Medicare will send you a Welcome packet three months before you turn 65. However, you will still have to adhere to other Medicare deadlines, so thoroughly ensure you read your welcome packet.
What qualifies you for Medicare if you are under the age of 65?
If you are under the age of 65, you may be eligible for Medicare if you meet specific criteria:
- You are permanently disabled and have been getting Social Security disability income benefits for 24 months
- You have End-Stage Renal Disease that requires you to get dialysis or are waiting for a kidney transplant
- You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease
What you can do once you’re eligible for Medicare
You have choices for how you get your Medicare coverage. If you choose to enroll in Original Medicare coverage, you can buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy from a private insurance company.
Medicare Part A provides coverage for inpatient care and limited time at a skilled nursing facility after a hospital stay. It also can cover costs for some home health care and hospice care.
Medicare Part B provides coverage for services from doctors and other healthcare providers. It also covers outpatient care, home healthcare, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services.
After becoming eligible for Medicare, be sure to learn about Medicare Parts C and D to determine if they are the right fit for you.
Note that Medicare Eligibility and Social Security retirement ages are different. Individuals can apply for full retirement income benefits at age 67, which is considered their retirement age. This does not affect the age they qualify for Medicare.
For all of your eligibility questions, give us a call at 509-993-9887.