You need to meet at least one of the following criteria for Medicare eligibility: Be age 65 or older and eligible for Social Security: You may be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) when you reach age 65 and become eligible for Social Security.
Full Answer
Who is eligible for Medicare and how does it work?
Who is eligible for Medicare? Generally, Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities and people with End Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant). Medicare has two parts, Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medicare Insurance).
Who is eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A?
You are eligible for premium-free Part A if you are age 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if: You are receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
Are you eligible for Medicare if you are under 65?
Although you may be able to begin withdrawing Social Security benefits for retirement at age 62, Medicare isn't available to most people until they turn 65. But if you are under the age of 65, you could be eligible for Medicare if you meet any of the following criteria.
When do you qualify for Medicare because of a disability?
Most Medicare recipients under the age of 65 reach eligibility during their 25th month receiving Social Security disability benefits. If you qualify for Medicare because of a disability, your Initial Enrollment Period will begin during the 22nd month you receive these benefits—three months before you’re eligible for coverage.
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What are the requirements to be eligible for Medicare Supplement?
To be eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan, you'll need to meet the following requirements: You must have both Part A and B (original Medicare). You must live where plans are available. You must pay Part A, Part B, and Medicare Supplement premiums, if applicable.
When do you start enrolling in Medicare?
If you qualify for Medicare this way, your Initial Enrollment Period will begin three months before the month you turn 65.
How long do you have to wait to receive Medicare if you have Lou Gehrig's disease?
If none of these situations apply to you, you'll have to wait until age 65 to begin receiving your Medicare benefits.
What is Medicare Supplement Plan?
Medicare Supplement eligibility. Also known as Medigap, Medicare Supplement plans are designed to accompany Original Medicare. They help cover additional Part A and Part B costs, such as deductibles and copayments. To be eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan, you'll need to meet the following requirements:
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) eligibility. Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare. Private companies provide Medicare-approved plans that cover everything Original Medicare covers, as well as additional benefits that may include vision, dental, hearing, and prescription drug coverage.
When do you get Medicare if you are 65?
Most Medicare recipients under the age of 65 reach eligibility during their 25th month receiving Social Security disability benefits. If you qualify for Medicare because of a disability, your Initial Enrollment Period will begin during the 22nd month you receive these benefits—three months before you’re eligible for coverage.
Can you have a Medicare Advantage plan with Part D?
Like Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement, Part D prescription drug coverage is provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. These plans accompany Original Medicare. Generally, you can’t have a standalone Part D plan if you have a Medicare Advantage plan.
