Who is eligible for Medicare?

Who can have Medicare?

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Medicare provides essential health insurance for:

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• Persons 65 years of age or older.
• Younger people with disabilities.
• Persons with end-stage renal disease (requiring dialysis or a transplant).

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Medicare has two main parts:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, palliative care and some home health care.
• Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient care, doctor visits and preventive services.

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Requirements for premium-free Part A

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You can get Part A without paying premiums if

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• You are 65 years old or more and:some text
  • Receive retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
  • You are entitled to Social Security or Railroad benefits, but have not yet applied for them.
  • You worked in public employment covered by Medicare.
• If you are under age 65, you are entitled to premium-free Part A if:some text
  • You have received disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for 24 months.
  • You have Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) and receive disability benefits.
  • You are a dialysis or kidney transplant patient.

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If you (or your spouse) did not pay Medicare taxes while you were working, you may be able to buy Part A if:

• You are 65 years of age or older and are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

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Part B Costs

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Although most people do not pay premiums for Part A, Part B requires a monthly premium.

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• This premium is deducted from your Social Security, Railroad Retirement or Civil Service Retirement check.
• If you do not receive these payments, Medicare bills you for the Part B premium on a quarterly basis.

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Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)

As of January 1, 2006, Medicare beneficiaries have access to prescription drug coverage regardless of income or health status. Visit the Prescription Drug Coverage site for more details.

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More information

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To check your eligibility and estimated premiums, visit the Medicare.gov Eligibility Tool.

‍Source: HHS.gov