Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers medical expenses for eligible individuals. There are four parts to Medicare, each providing different coverage options.

Part A is hospital coverage, providing inpatient care for things like surgery or hospital stays. Part B is medical coverage, providing outpatient care such as doctor visits and preventative services. Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits through private insurance companies. Part D provides prescription drug coverage, helping with the cost of medications.

So, are you eligible for Medicare? In general, if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment and are 65 years old, you qualify. You must also be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. However, if you are under 65, you may qualify if you have a disability or End-Stage Renal Disease requiring dialysis or transplant.

To break it down further, if you already receive retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you can get Part A at age 65 without paying premiums. If you are eligible for these benefits but haven’t filed for them, you can still get Part A. If you or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment, you can also get Part A.

If you are under 65, you can get Part A without paying premiums if you have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for 24 months or are a kidney dialysis or transplant patient. While you may not have to pay a premium for Part A if you meet one of these conditions, you will need to pay for Part B, which covers medical expenses, and it will be deducted from your Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or Civil Service Retirement check. If you don’t receive any of these payments, Medicare will send you a bill for your Part B premium every three months.

Navigating the ins and outs of Medicare can be confusing, but we are here to help. Our Medicare insurance store has trained professionals who can guide you through the process and ensure you have the coverage you need. Don’t let the complexities of Medicare hold you back from getting the care you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.