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  Individual & Family




Medicare Eligibility

 Medicare is a health insurance program run by the federal government that provides hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D). In order to be eligible for Medicare you must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. There are two other conditions that you need to meet to qualify for Medicare benefits which include:

•    You must be 65 or older, or have a disability or end-stage renal disease.
•    You must have paid money (taxes) to the Medicare system for at least 10 years.

You are eligible for Medicare when your turn 65 regardless if you are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. Part A is premium free if:

•    You already receive or are eligible for retirement benefits from Social Security
•    You or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment

If you are under the age of 65, you may receive Medicare if:

•    You have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months
•    You have End-Stage Renal Disease and meet certain requirements

If you pass eligibility requirements for Medicare Part A, you are also eligible for Medicare Part B. Part B, however, you must pay for if you want it. The Part B monthly premium for 2009 is $96.40 but may also be higher depending on your income. Part B premiums are deducted from your Social Security checks if you are receiving them. If not, Medicare sends you a bill for your Part B premium quarterly.

To find out if you are eligible for Medicare or if you have any questions regarding your eligibility for Medicare Parts A and B, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.