Who is Eligible for Medicare?

Even if you’re 65 years or older, you still may not be eligible for Medicare coverage that doesn’t have a premium associated with it. Medicare has two parts:

Part A is the hospital insurance, and Part B is the medicare insurance. The good news is you can get Part A for free under certain circumstances.

The general criteria to receive Medicare is reaching the age of 65 and being a permanent resident or citizen of the US. Not everyone who gets Medicare is 65 years or older.

Younger patients who have a disability or are in end-stage renal failure are eligible. This of course doesn’t always mean that you’re eligible for Part A without having to pay a premium.

Most people do not have to pay premiums for Part A. If you are under 65 years of age, you do not have to pay for Part A premiums if you have been entitled to Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits for 24 months, or if you are a kidney transplant or dialysis patient. Part A will not be free if you are 65 years of age but did not pay medicare taxes.

Medicare Part B is not free for anyone, but it can be bought. The premiums for this part typically come out of your Social Security or Railroad benefits each month and can be paid out-of-pocket for those who don’t receive those benefits.

Premiums for Part A can cost up to $437 a month for those who have to pay for it. There is still a deductible and a co-pay for care associated with Part A.

Premiums for Part B start at $135.50 and go up according to your income. There is a copay and deductible for Part B, as well.

There are four types of coverage you can get for Medicare, Part A, B, C, or D. While part A and B are necessary, parts C and D are optional.

Part C is coverage through privatized agencies and Part D is for prescription drug coverage. It is important to weigh your options before purchasing a plan and get Medicare quotes.

Health care coverage is important, and it’s especially important when you’re increasing in age. Before you get stuck with high premiums or deductibles, get quotes to see the best price options for the level of care you need.