In our previous post we covered some information about Medicaid.

Now are we progress more into Medicare lets discuss Medicare eligibility.

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Who can get Medicare?

If you are within three months of age 65 or older and not ready to start your monthly Social Security benefits yet, you can enroll online just for Medicare and wait to apply for your retirement or your spouse’s benefits later.Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)

Medicare Part A is free for almost everyone.

People age 65 or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for Medicare Part A.

You’re eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if one of the following applies: (This is not the complete list of those who may qualify, so please give me a call for proper guidance).

• You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

• Your spouse (living or deceased, including divorced spouses) receives or is eligible to receive Social Security or RRB benefits.

• You or your spouse worked long enough in a government job through which you paid Medicare taxes.

• You are the dependent parent of a fully insured deceased child.

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If you don’t meet these requirements, you may be able to get Medicare Part A by paying a monthly premium.

Usually, you can purchase this coverage only during designated enrollment periods.

NOTE: Even though Social Security’s full retirement age is no longer 65, you should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. 

Medicare Part B (medical insurance)

Anyone who’s eligible for Medicare Part A at no cost can enroll in Medicare Part B by paying a monthly premium.  Because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you can turn it down. 

Your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn age 65, and ends three months after that birthday. 

Some people with higher incomes will pay a higher monthly Part B premium.

If you choose not to enroll in Medicare Part B and then decide to do so later, your coverage could be delayed and you may have to pay a higher monthly premium for as long as you have Part B.

Your monthly premium will go up 10 percent for each 12-month period you were eligible for Part B, but didn’t sign up for it, unless you qualify for a “Special Enrollment Period”.

 If you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period, you have another chance each year to sign up during a “general enrollment period” from January 1 through March 31. Your coverage begins on the month after you sign up.

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You can watch my Power 5 Videos on the content below:

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Power 5 Part 1 of 2: Eligibility For Medicare & Coverage Options

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Power 5 Part 2 of 2: Enrollments and Other Important Dates

That concludes our session on Medicare Eligibility. 

On our next post we will be learning more about Medicare Supplemental Plans (also known as Medigap Plans).

If you have questions in the meantime email me or give me a call – you are never alone in this journey and I am here to help. 🙂

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