Medicare Eligibility

You may qualify for Medicare coverage at age 65 or older if you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident and you have lived in the U.S. for 5 or more years. There is a 7-month term, known as the Initial Enrollment Period, where you can enroll in Medicare. This period consists of the 3 months before your 65^th birthday, your birthday month, and 3 months after your 65^th birthday.

When You Are Under Age 65

You can qualify for Medicare under these conditions when you are under age 65:

• If you are permanently disabled and you have been getting Social Security disability income benefits for 24 months.
• When you have an end-stage renal disease that requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.
• If you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Medicare Part A Eligibility

If you or your spouse has worked for a minimum of 10 years in the U.S. and has paid Medicare Taxes while working, you are eligible for Part A at no cost. You can still purchase Part A if you have not worked the 10 years. You will need to contact Social Security to see what the premium will cost you.

Medicare Part B Eligibility

You are eligible for Medicare Part B at age 65. A monthly premium is paid for Part B to Medicare. Social Security will determine the premium amount which is based on your income. If you are turning 65 and you still have health insurance through your employer that can be considered a “Creditable Coverage”, you can defer your enrollment into Part B without any late enrollment penalty.

Apply for Medicare Coverage

• You can apply for coverage online or at the local Social Security office.
• Most people age 65 or older are eligible for free Medical Part A if they have worked and paid Medicare taxes long enough.
• You can enroll in Medicare Part B by paying a monthly premium.
• If you’re eligible at age 65, your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday including the month you turn age 65 and ends three months after that birthday.
• If you choose not to enroll in Medicare Part B and then decide to do so later, you may have to pay a higher monthly premium for as long as you have Part B.
• If you chose to delay Medicare Part B when you were first eligible because you had creditable coverage and now you want to get Medicare Part B, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

Call us for more information! 954-802-3560

When to Enroll