What to Know About Medicare Eligibility, and How to Sign Up

Are you looking to enroll in Medicare? Do you have questions about Medicare eligibility and the enrollment process?

Medicare is a federal health insurance plan that’s been around since 1965, and as of October 2021, over 63 million Americans were enrolled in Medicare. Enrollment can be complicated, so it’s important to understand the process before you begin.

If you’re confused about Medicare eligibility and the enrollment process, fear not! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

Parts of Medicare Coverage

To better understand Medicare eligibility and enrollment, you first need to understand the different parts that makeup Medicare coverage. The federal government breaks up Medicare into four parts which include:

• Part A covers inpatient hospital costs
• Part B covers outpatient medical costs
• Part C is also called Medicare Advantage which covers extra services
• Part D covers prescription drugs

When you see the phrase traditional Medicare, it refers to both Medicare part A and part B.

Medicare Eligibility

One of the first categories for qualifying for traditional Medicare benefits is being 65 or older and a United States citizen that’s living in the US.

Older patients aren’t the only ones that can benefit from Medicare services. If you’re younger than 65, you can still be eligible to receive Medicare in certain circumstances such as:

• You’ve been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months
• You have Lou Gehrig’s disease
• You have kidney failure that requires dialysis or a kidney transplant

Medicare Enrollment

It’s important to understand that how you enroll in Medicare depends on your situation. Medicare enrollment is either automatic, or you’ll have to sign up yourself once you reach 65.

It’s a good idea to do your research first to avoid common medicare enrollment mistakes so you can avoid paying late enrollment penalties or missing the enrollment period.

Automatic Enrollment

If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you’ll automatically be enrolled when you reach 65. You will receive a package of information 2 to 3 months before you turn 65 that explains what you need to know.

You’ll also be automatically enrolled once you receive 24 months of Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.

If you have Lou Gherig’s disease (ALS) you’ll be enrolled in Medicare as soon as you begin collecting Social Security benefits. If you have kidney failure, you can get Medicare three months after you start kidney dialysis and immediately after a kidney transplant.

Applying for Medicare Yourself

If you’re not receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll have to apply for Medicare yourself. Before you turn 65, you have a seven-month window to apply for Medicare, and you can apply up to three months before you turn 65.

The fastest way to sign up for Medicare is online, and you can apply online at the Social Security Administration website. You can also sign up by calling the Social Security office by phone or sign up in person at your local Social Security office.

Costs of Medicare

The costs of Medicare health insurance can vary and depends on how much Medicare taxes you’ve paid. You won’t have to pay a premium for Medicare part A if you’re 65 and meet the following conditions:

• You or your spouse worked at least 10 years and paid Medicare taxes
• You or your spouse already get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits

If you’re under 65, you’ll get free part A Medicare if you’re disabled and collecting Social Security benefits.

You’ll still have fees involved based on the premiums you choose. You’ll also have copayments for doctor visits and co-insurance for other medical services.

Enroll in Medicare Today

Now that you understand more about Medicare eligibility and the enrollment process, you’ll be better prepared to start your Medicare application today.

Remember, do your research before you apply, and don’t be afraid to ask questions during the process.

Are you ready to learn more? Then check out our blog for more health, lifestyle, and business tips to boost your knowledge!