Seniors of The Age of 65 and Older Are Eligible for Medicare and Its Benefits If:
– You are a U.S. citizen or at least a permanent legal resident who has lived in the United States for at least five years
– You are receiving Social Security or railroad retirement benefits or if you have worked long enough to be eligible for those benefits but aren’t yet collecting them
– You or your spouse is or has been a government employee or retiree who hasn’t paid into Social Security but has paid Medicare payroll taxes while working
If you’re younger than 65 you still may be eligible.
You Can Qualify for Full Medicare Benefits Under the Age of 65 If:
– You’ve been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months, which need not be consecutive
– You receive a disability pension from the Railroad Retirement Board and meet certain required conditions
– You have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease which qualifies you immediately
– You have permanent kidney failure and need regular dialysis or a kidney transplant
There are a few other ways to get Medicare coverage if you do not qualify on your own or through your spouse’s work record but are still a US citizen or if you have been a legal resident for at least five years.
You Have to Buy Into It By:
– Paying a premium for Part A, the hospital insurance. How much you have to pay for Part A will depend on how long you’ve worked. The longer you work, the more work credits you earn, and work credits are earned based on your income. The amount of income it takes to earn a credit change every year. If you have collected fewer than 30 work credits, you have to pay the maximum premium. If you have collected 30 to 39 credits, you pay less. If you can continue working till you gain 40 credits, you will no longer pay these premiums.
– Paying the same amount of monthly premiums for Part B, which will cover doctor visits and other outpatient services, as the other enrollees pay. The rates for monthly premiums are higher for people with higher incomes.
– Paying the same amount in monthly premiums for Part D prescription drug coverage as others enrolled in the drug plan that you choose.