Medicare

What is Original Medicare, who qualifies, and more importantly, are you eligible for Medicare? In the United States, health insurance might be broken down into two general categories--Medicare and non-Medicare private health coverage. Medicare is the government run, Federal health insurance program for people 65 years or older, disabled people who have worked the minimum number of years to qualify for Social Security Benefits, and people of any age who have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). All other insurance, with the exception of the Federal Employees Health Benefits program and Mail Handlers is private insurance.

Although Medicare is now considered to have 4 parts, Original Medicare is most often associated with what is called Part A and Part B. Part A covers hospital inpatient, skilled nursing facility, and home healthcare benefits. Part B covers doctors' services, medical supplies and equipment, and hospital outpatient care. Part B also covers many other services such as clinical laboratory services, imaging, ambulatory surgery, cancer treatments, preventive services, and much more.

So, how do you know if you eligible for Medicare? If you are a U.S. citizen or naturalized citizen and you fall into one of the categories above (65 or over, disabled, or have ESRD), you may be eligible for Medicare benefits. If you are unsure, the most certain way to determine your eligibility is to call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 between the hours of 7am and 7pm (in any time zone).

However, if you are already receiving Social Security Benefits prior to your 65th birthday, then you will be enrolled into Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. The way this works is that approximately 3 months before you turn 65, you will receive you initial enrollment packet that will include your Medicare card. If you want to enroll into both A and B, sign your card and keep it in a safe place. If you want to refuse Part B, simply sign the back of the card form that you receive, put an "x" in the box that says you are refusing Part B, and send the card back using the return envelope. After the SSA receives and notes your decision, you will receive a new card listing your enrollment into Part A, only.

If you are approaching age 65 but not yet receiving Social Security Benefits, the procedure is a little different. In this case, you need to initiate the enrollment process your self by submitting an application with Social Security. You can do this through your local office, or call the number given above for more information. In either case, whether you are already receiving SSA benefits or not, you have a 7 month initial enrollment period to sign up. This includes the 3 months before the month of your birthday, the month of your birthday, and the three months immediately following the month in which you turn 65.

To wrap up, Medicare enrollment is done through the Social Security Administration. If you are already receiving Social Security, railroad, civil service, or disability benefits, your enrollment will occur automatically. If not, and your are within 3 months of your 65 birthday, contact the SSA in order to submit an application to begin receiving your benefits.

Discover more information about Medicare medical benefits, Advantage Plans, Medicare supplemental policies