Seniors Needing Medicare

Since 1966, Medicare has been the national health insurance program in the United States, providing health care insurance coverage for over 64 million beneficiaries, the majority of whom are aged 65 and above. Original Medicare Parts A and B eligibility age is set at 65 by the US government, and most people enroll at this age, while some prefer to stay on their employer’s insurance plan until retirement.

To qualify for Medicare, individuals must have worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment, be 65 years old, and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. However, those who are under 65 can also be eligible for coverage with a disability or with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant).

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if you already receive retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, are eligible to receive Social Security or Railroad benefits but haven’t filed for them yet, or have had Medicare-covered government employment. If you’re under 65, you can get Part A without paying premiums if you’ve received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for 24 months or are a kidney dialysis or transplant patient.

However, Part B premiums must be paid, whether you’re 65 or under. It is deducted from your Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or Civil Service Retirement check, and if you’re not receiving any of these payments, Medicare sends you a bill for your Part B premium every three months. Therefore, if you’re turning 65 and planning to enroll in Medicare, it’s essential to understand what your costs will be.