In general, you must be at least 65 years old and have ten years of working credits to enroll in Medicare.
Medicare is the United States's largest health insurer, serving over 40 million Americans. There are several parts to Medicare. Medicare Part A, Hospital Insurance, covers some of the costs for your hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care and some home health care. Medicare Part B is Medical Insurance that covers medically necessary doctor's visits and outpatient hospital care, plus some physical and occupational therapy. There are other types of Medicare coverage as well, but most have the same eligibility requirements.
Medicare Age Requirements
In general, you are eligible for Medicare once you turn 65 and have worked for at least ten years in Medicare-covered employment. You must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You are also eligible for Medicare if you are under age 65 and have a disability, or if you have end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring a kidney transplant or dialysis).
Medicare Enrollment Choices
Shortly before you turn 65, you will be notified by the Social Security Administration of your Medicare eligibility. Because most people do not pay a premium for Medicare Part A, they often enroll in Part A as soon as they are eligible. There is a premium for Medicare Part B, either $96.40 or $110.50 per month in 2010, deducted from your Social Security, railroad retirement or civil service retirement check. If either you or your spouse is still working and you have health insurance through your employer, you can decline the Part B coverage until you retire. If you are not working or do not have other health coverage, and choose not to enroll in Part B coverage when you are eligible, your Part B premium will be the standard amount plus a 10 percent penalty for every 12 months that you go without coverage.
Medicare Enrollment Periods
You can enroll in Medicare beginning three months before you turn 65, and for four months after your birthday. If you do not enroll in Medicare Part B when you turn 65, you can enroll during the general enrollment period that runs from January 1 to March 31 every year. You can enroll by visiting your local Social Security office or calling the Social Security Administration. If you enroll during this period, your benefits will begin on July 1. If you retire or your employer-sponsored health coverage ends, you have eight months from the end of coverage to enroll in Medicare Part B without penalty.
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements
When you enroll in Medicare, you also have the option of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare supplement plan. A Medicare Advantage plan offers all of the benefits of Medicare Parts A and B, and usually includes Medicare Part D prescription benefits as well. Medicare supplements offer additional benefits to Medicare Parts A and B. MA and supplement plans are operated by private insurance companies, and you may need to pay a premium to the insurance company in addition to your Part B premium. You can enroll in an these plans when you enroll in Medicare, and generally can only make changes during the Annual Election Period each fall.
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