Medicare Eligibility: Your Best 2023-2024 Guide

Medicare

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• Original Medicare (Medicare Part A & B)
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• Eligibility
• Coverage
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• New to Medicare

Understanding Medicare Eligibility Criteria

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If you are 65 or older and a U.S. citizen, you likely are eligible for Medicare benefits. If you or your spouse have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years through your employment, you should be ready to enroll. If you are under 65 but receive Social Security disability or Railroad Benefits for 24 consecutive months or have a qualifying disability or special condition, you also would qualify. It’s fairly straightforward, though there are components of Medicare eligibility Age that are important to keep in mind.

Qualifying disabilities that would make you eligible before Medicare eligibility age of 65 are:

• If you receive Social Security disability benefits for disabilities like Lou Gehrig’s Disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS) or if you have end-stage renal disease.
• You would be entitled to Medicare Part A and Part B beginning with your 25th month of disability benefit entitlement. You don’t need to take any action to enroll in Medicare, and your Medicare card will automatically be mailed to you approximately three months before your Medicare entitlement date. For more information, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

The Process of Confirming Your Medicare Eligibility

An easy way to determine your Medicare effective dates is to refer to the lower right corner of your Medicare card or to refer to your letter from the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board. There are various things to know about qualification criteria for Medicare, so another option is to call a trusted agent like the team at Health Plus Life as they can enroll you in a Medicare Advantage plan from a trusted carrier with one monthly premium (besides your Part B premium)

If you have any questions about when your Medicare coverage starts, you can contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For TTY services, call 1-800-325-0778.

If you worked for a railroad, you can call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For TTY services, call 312-751-4701.

What to Do If You’re Ineligible for Medicare

If you find that you’re ineligible for Medicare, don’t worry; you still have a number of options available to secure health insurance. There could be other Medicare qualification factors that come into play. Here’s what you can do:

1. Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance: If you’re employed, check with your employer about health insurance options. Many employers offer health insurance as a part of their benefits package.
2. Spouse’s Health Plan: If your spouse is employed and has access to employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be able to join their plan.
3. Private Health Insurance: You can purchase health insurance directly from a private insurance company. Costs and coverage vary greatly, so shop around to find a plan that suits your needs and budget.
4. Health Insurance Marketplace: Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you can purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment period if you qualify. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for subsidies to help offset the cost of a plan.
5. Medicaid: If your income is low, you may qualify for Medicaid. Eligibility rules vary from state to state, so check with your state’s Medicaid office for more information.
6. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): If you have children and a limited income, your children might be eligible for CHIP, a state-run program that provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid.
7. COBRA: If you recently lost your job, you might be able to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance for a limited time through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), although you’ll likely have to pay the full premium yourself.
8. Join a Union or Professional Organization: Some unions and professional organizations offer group health insurance policies to their members.
9. Short-term Health Insurance: If you’re in good health and waiting for other coverage to begin, you might consider short-term health insurance. Be aware that these plans often cover fewer services and don’t typically cover pre-existing conditions.
10. Health Sharing Plan: These are cooperative groups, where members share each other’s health costs. They’re not insurance but can be more affordable. Be sure to research thoroughly to understand the risks and benefits.

Remember, going without health insurance is risky and can leave you vulnerable to high medical costs. It’s essential to explore all available options and choose the one that fits your budget and healthcare needs the best. If you’re unsure where to start or what you qualify for, consider speaking with a healthcare navigator or a trusted insurance broker like the experts at Health Plus Life to enroll you in a Medicare Advantage plan from a trusted carrier with one monthly premium (besides your Part B premium).

Medicare Eligibility for Special Situations

Medicare eligibility is typically straightforward, covering individuals aged 65 or older, certain younger individuals with disabilities, and those with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). However, there are certain special situations where Medicare coverage may apply, even if the typical criteria or age requirement for Medicare aren’t met.

1. Disability: If you’re under 65, you can qualify for Medicare if you’ve been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for more than 24 months, regardless of the specific nature of the disability. This also applies to those receiving certain disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).
2. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): People diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, qualify for Medicare immediately upon starting to receive SSDI benefits, with no 24-month waiting period, regardless of their age.
3. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): If you have ESRD, you’re eligible for Medicare regardless of your age, but you need to either be receiving dialysis treatments or have had a kidney transplant. You also need to either contribute to Social Security taxes through your job or be the spouse or dependent child of someone who does.
4. Working Past 65: If you or your spouse are still working and have health coverage through that employer or a union, you may delay enrollment in Medicare Part B without incurring a late enrollment penalty. This can also apply to people working overseas.
5. Living Overseas: Generally, Medicare coverage is limited to residents living in the U.S, but there are some exceptions. For example, if you’re a U.S. citizen who has lived lawfully in the U.S. for at least five years, you may qualify for Medicare.
6. Veterans: If you’re a veteran, you may be eligible for both Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. These don’t overlap, so you can use both, but the coordination of benefits rules will determine which one pays first.
7. State-Specific Programs: Each state might have specific programs that work alongside or instead of Medicare. For example, those with limited income and resources may qualify for their state’s Medicaid program, which can work alongside Medicare to cover health costs.

Remember, Medicare is a complex program with many different rules and exceptions, so it’s always a good idea to contact a Medicare representative or a trusted insurance advisor like the team at Health Plus Life who can enroll you in a Medicare Advantage plan from a trusted carrier with one monthly premium (besides your Part B premium)

Other Questions About Medicare Eligibility

Can I receive Medicare as soon as I retire?

If you are not 65, or older, most likely not. Retirement is not a triggering event for Medicare eligibility. You can’t get Medicare before age 65 unless you meet one of the other qualifying conditions, such as Social Security Disabled. You may be able to qualify for other types of healthcare coverage either through an employer or the ACA Marketplace. If your spouse is old enough to qualify, that does not mean you are covered. Medicare is an individual plan and not a group plan. 

If my spouse qualifies for Medicare and I do not, will that affect my spouse’s Medicare costs?

Your spouse’s Medicare costs are fully determined by the plan and coverage that he or she selects. And it will depend on the number of years you have both worked. If your spouse has not worked and paid into Medicare for at least ten years, or 40 quarters, they may still qualify for premium-free Part A if YOU have worked for that amount of time and paid taxes to Medicare. If neither of you has worked for ten years, you may need to pay for Medicare Part A. 

When can I get my spouse’s Medicare?

You are still not eligible for Medicare until you are age 65 unless you qualify for disability. 

Does my eligibility for Medicare change if I become a widow or widower?

No. Your Medicare eligibility does not change if your spouse dies. 

Is there any penalty or change in coverage if I apply earlier than 65?

No. Unlike Social Security benefits, if you have a disability and apply earlier than age 65, your benefits will not be reduced in any way. If you have a qualifying disability, and receive Medicare Part A and Part B and need prescription drug coverage, you can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program about a Medicare Supplement insurance plan. 

When should I apply for Medicare if I am still employed?

This will depend on your specific situation. If you qualify for premium-free Part A (hospital coverage), you should usually enroll even if you are still working. You can still apply for Medicare even though you are still working if you are age 65 or older or have a qualifying disability. 

Medicare and Social Security: Should I enroll?

If you are receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. If you are not receiving Social Security benefits, you can apply for Medicare.

Do my Medicare costs change if I am still working?

If you are still working, you should compare health coverage costs and benefits under your employer’s plan to those of Medicare. Medicare may cover some gaps not covered by your employer’s plan. 

If I am on COBRA, should I delay my Medicare enrollment?

If you stop working and are on COBRA, you should apply for Medicare before your COBRA coverage ends. Otherwise, you may need to wait until the next General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) to enroll.