Qualifying For Medicare

Medicare is a federal program that is nationally run and allows Medicare beneficiaries and people with disabilities to have access to healthcare insurance. This program is not generally understood, though, and many people don’t understand what exactly it takes to become eligible for the program. There is so much misinformation flying around about healthcare programs and Medicare that it can be difficult to separate the fact from the fiction. Luckily, there is also reliable information out there, and you can understand the requirements of Medicare eligibility with a little help from official sources like www.medicare.gov.

Medicare Defined

The most important information to know about Medicare is that this federal program operates to give health insurance coverage to those who qualify. It is run by the Social Security Administration, and that means that the benefits under this program are often associated with Social Security benefits. In fact, one way that disabled people can become eligible for Medicare is by qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance.

Senior Health Insurance

The biggest portion of beneficiaries under Medicare are senior citizens ages sixty-five and up. At the age of sixty-five, most people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Part A is hospital coverage, which means coverage for in-patient stays, hospice care, some home health care, and similar treatments. Medicare Part A is automatic and free. Medicare Part B is also automatic, but it is not completely free of charge. It offers medical coverage with a monthly premium and a deductible. There are also copayments associated with Medicare Part B coverage.

Disability Insurance

In the case of disabled persons, an exception is made for those who have not yet reached the age of sixty-five. To qualify as disabled, you must submit an application to the Social Security Administration. This process can be difficult and lengthy. After qualifying, there is a twenty-four month waiting period before Medicare benefits begin.

Exceptions for Certain Individuals

There are two exceptions to the twenty-four month waiting period. If a disabled individual suffers from Lou Gehrig’s disease, then Medicare benefits begin immediately. Likewise, if a person suffers from End State Renal Failure, benefits will begin three months after the first documented dialysis treatment. These exceptions are to ensure that those who are in the most need for immediate medical coverage receive it.

If you still have questions about your eligibility for Medicare, or if you need more details, the Medicare website is a wonderful resource.