Medicare Eligibility
Medicare eligibility isn’t as confusing as it is sometimes made out to be.
You are eligible for Original Medicare when you turn 65 or have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months.
People who have End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) are also eligible.
Anyone who is a US citizen or permanent resident and lived here for at least 5 years will qualify for coverage under these rules of eligibility.
Medicare Part A Eligibility
If you have legally worked for 10 or more years, you will qualify for Part A when you reach your eligibility requirements at no premium.
If you have not worked for at least 10 years, contact your Social Security office to see what the cost will be.
Medicare Part B Eligibility
You become eligible for Medicare Part B at the above rules.
There is a premium for Part B. In 2023 the monthly premium is $164.90.
Some people turning 65 are still working and have health insurance through their employer. You can delay your enrollment for Part B and keep your employer-sponsored coverage without penalty.
Once your employer or union coverage ends, you’ll have eight months to sign up for Part B without a penalty.
Medicare Part C Eligibility
To qualify for Part C coverage, you must be enrolled in Parts A and B. You cannot drop either Part A or B while enrolled in Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage.
You must also live in the plan’s service area.
Sometimes an Advantage plan comes with Part D prescription drug coverage.
Medicare Part D Eligibility
You are eligible for Part D as long as you are eligible for Parts A and B.
You must also live in the plan’s service area.
Medicare Supplement Eligibility
As long as you are eligible for Original Medicare, you are also eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan. You can sign up for a plan at any time, but the best time is during your initial enrollment period (when you first become eligible for Medicare) because you can sign up for a plan with no health questions.
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