General Eligibility
You qualify for Medicare if you are 65 or older and are either a citizen of the United States or a legal permanent resident that has been in the country for at least 5 continuous years.
If you have a disability that restricts you from working and you are not 65 yet, you may qualify for Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. Once you have received disability benefits for at least 24 months, you’ll be automatically signed up for Original Medicare on the first day of the 25th month you receive your disability benefits.
Original Medicare
Those who have worked at least 40 quarters and paid Medicare taxes are automatically enrolled in Original Medicare. However for Part A alone, you are eligible to receive premium-free Part A if you or your spouse worked at least ten years.
Also, if you are already receiving your retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, Medicare will automatically enroll you in Original Medicare on the first day of the month you turn 65. If you are not enrolled automatically, you’ll need to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after.
Medicare Advantage and Part D
To be eligible for Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare. However, for Part D, you can enroll in it while being enrolled in either Part A or Part B.
Medicare Supplements
To be eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan, you must also be enrolled in Original Medicare. However, you cannot enroll in a supplement plan if you have a Medicare Advantage plan.
If you want to know more about Medicare eligibility and which plan you might be eligible for, Caring Insurance Solutions can help. We will help you compare options and shop for the best Medicare plan for your needs. Feel free to contact us today!
