Medicare is a federally run health insurance program for people over 65 years of age. Medicare has two parts. Part A, hospital insurance, helps cover inpatient care for hospitals. Part B, medical insurance, pays for doctor visits and other outpatient services. There also is Medicare Part D, which covers prescription medicines. You can get your Medicare coverage from the government, known as Original Medicare, or you may choose to get Medicare from private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Medicare coverage provided by private companies is called Medicare Part C. Medicare eligibility is the same for all United States citizens and permanent residents irrespective of your state of residence.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
You can receive Medicare coverage if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in a Medicare covered employment and paid Medicare taxes. In order to receive Medicare benefits you must be 65 years or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Those below 65 years of age may be eligible to receive Medicare if they have certain qualifying disabilities. Also, patients of all ages suffering from permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant may be eligible for Medicare coverage.
Medicare Part A
If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, you automatically get Medicare Part A when you turn 65. Also, if you had paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years when you were working, you need not pay any premiums for Part A coverage. Those under 65 years of age and getting Social Security disability benefits also automatically become eligible to receive Medicare Part A. However, if you did not work long enough in Medicare covered employment or if you are disabled but returned to work, you may have to buy Medicare Part A for a monthly premium. The 2011 monthly premium for Part A coverage for most people is $450 as of 2011.
Medicare Part B
You need to Enroll in Medicare Part B and pay monthly premiums in order to receive medical coverage through Medicare. You must enroll in Medicare Part B in a seven-month window starting from three months before you turn 65 and until three months after the month in which your 65th birthday fell. If you do not enroll with Medicare Part B during this period, you will have to pay a penalty in the form of higher premiums. The monthly premium for Part B coverage for most people is $115.40.
Help With Medicare Costs
Certain low-income families may qualify to receive financial help with their Medicare costs through the Medicare Savings Program. In order to be eligible for this program, you must have Part A coverage, and if you are single, you must have monthly income less than $1,246 and resources less than $6,680. For married persons living together, your monthly income must be less than $1,675 and your resources less than $10,020. For the purpose of the Medicare Savings Program, resources include money in your checking and savings account, stocks and bonds, and doesn't include your car, home or other nonliquid assets.
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