Disability Topics

Free Disability & SSI Evaluation

Disability Benefits

Who Can Get Disability

The Earnings Requirement

Rules for "Recent Work"

Apply for Disability Benefits

When You Should Apply

Benefit Topics

Social Security and Retirement

Qualify for Retirement Benefits

How Much are Benefits

Full Retirement Age

Early Retirements

Delayed Retirement

Survivors Topics

Survivors Insurance

Earn Survivors Insurance

Surviving Divorced Spouse

How Much are Benefits

Applying for Benefits

What Will I Receive

Right to Appeal

SSI Topics

What is SSI

How Much Can You Get

How Do You Qualify

Rules You Must Meet

Medicare Topics

Hospital Insurance Part A

Medicare Insurance Part B

Medicare Advantage Part C

Medicare Prescription Part D

Medicare

Medicare

What is Medicare?

Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Certain people younger than age 65 can qualify for Medicare, too, including those who have disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). The program helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care.

Medicare is financed by a portion of the payroll taxes paid by workers and their employers. It also is financed in part by monthly premiums deducted from Social Security checks.

Medicare has four parts

    • Hospital insurance (Part A) that helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health
      care and hospice care.
    • Medical insurance (Part B) that helps pay for doctors’ services and many other medical services and supplies that are not covered by hospital
       insurance.
    • Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are available in many areas. People with Medicare Parts A and B can choose to receive all of their health care
       services through one of these provider organizations under Part C.
    • Prescription drug coverage (Part D) that helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for treatment.

Who can get Medicare?

Hospital insurance (Part A)

Most people age 65 or older who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States are eligible for free Medicare hospital insurance (Part A). You are eligible at age 65 if:
    • You receive or are eligible to receive Social Security benefits; or
    • You receive or are eligible to receive railroad retirement benefits; or
    • You or your spouse (living or deceased, including divorced spouses) worked long enough in a government job where Medicare taxes were paid;
       or
    • You are the dependent parent of a fully insured deceased child.

If you do not meet these requirements, you may be able to get Medicare hospital insurance by paying a monthly premium. Usually, you can sign up for this hospital insurance only during designated enrollment periods.

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

more