Medicare Eligibility
Understanding your eligibility for Medicare is important when knowing if and when you can start receiving coverage through the program. For most people, though, their eligibility starts when they are 65. For others, their eligibility can start once they have received disability benefits from Social Security for at least 24 months.
Other requirements you’ll need to meet once you’re 65 include being a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident of five years or more.
If you’re under 65, the requirements to meet include:
- Being permanently disabled and getting Social Security disability benefits for 24 months
- Having End-Stage Renal Disease
- Having ALS, also known as Lou Gherig’s Disease
Get A FREE Quote Now
We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Medicare Part A and B Eligibility
Of course, you will have to meet the requirements listed above to enroll in Part A, but you can be eligible for Part A without having to pay a monthly premium if you have worked for ten years and paid Medicare taxes. You will also be automatically enrolled in Medicare if you get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.
If this doesn’t apply to you, you can still manually enroll in Part A during your Initial Enrollment Period.
As for Medicare Part B, you will have to meet the same requirements as Part A. However, while it’s possible to get premium-free Part A, Part B will require a monthly premium.
Medicare Part C and D Eligibility
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, provides Medicare beneficiaries with the same coverage as Medicare Part A and B. So, to be eligible to enroll in a Part C plan, you will first have to be enrolled in both Parts A and B.
As for Medicare Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage, you can be enrolled in Part A and/or Part B to get coverage.
Do I Have To Enroll In Medicare?
It is not required for you to enroll in Medicare, but we highly recommend doing so if you don’t currently have health insurance coverage. This is because if you delay your Medicare enrollment without already having creditable coverage from another plan, you could face late enrollment penalties, which can be permanent.
If you’re ready to determine your Medicare eligibility and want to start your enrollment process, reach out to the Medicare experts at Thomas Family Insurance today!
