You are eligible to receive Medicare if: 1) you are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States; 2) you are eligible for or receiving railroad retirement benefits; 3) you or your spouse worked in for the government and paid Medicare taxes; or 4) you are the dependent parent of a deceased child who was fully insured. http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10043.html Medicare has four “Parts”, the first two of which are government provided – Part A and Part B. These first two are what people are generally referring to when they speak of Medicare. The second two, Part C and Part D, are government approved private health insurance. The options for these plans are extensive, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), and others.

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that is automatically provided to people when they receive Social Security. It helps cover the expenses of a hospital stay, nursing home, hospice care and home health care. If a person has not paid into Medicare for at least 10 years while they were working, they may have to pay a premium for Part A. However, in most cases, people don’t have to pay a premium for Part A when they turn 65 because either they or their spouse contributed into Medicare while they were working. http://www.medicare.gov/MedicareEligibility/Home.asp?dest=NAV|Home|GeneralEnrollment#TabTop http://www.medicare.gov/MedicareEligibility/home.asp?Q%7C6%7Crtrmt%5Ftype=None&Q%7C10022%7Chsincome%5Fmarried=%24170%2C000+or+less&Q%7C9%7Cdsbld=No&version=default&Q%7C3%7Cmdcd=No&browser=IE%7C6%7CWinXP&Q%7C4%7Clvg%5Fotsd=No&Q%7C10020%7Cmrtl%5Fstus=Married&language=English&Q%7C1005%7Crcvg%5Fbnfts=No&Q%7C2%7Ccvrg%5Ftype=NE&Q%7C10030%7Ctaxfiling%5Fstatus=Joint&Q%7C1%7Cbirth%5Fmonth=04&Q%7C1%7Cbirth%5Fday=14&Q%7C1%7Cbirth%5Fyear=1955&qid_path=1%281%7E10020%29%7C2000%2810030%29%7C2%282%7E3%7E4%7E10022%29%7C5%281005%29%7C6%286%29%7C7%289%29%7C999%28999%29&dest=NAV|Home|MyEnrollment|Results|EligibilityQuestions

Medicare Part B is medical insurance and generally requires a monthly payment of between $96.40 to $353.60, depending on the last Federal Income Tax filing. It covers expenses that Part A does not and is not automatically provided with Social Security. Medicare Part C is private insurance under contract to Medicare. http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10050.pdf Medicare Part D is privately-insured prescription drug coverage under contract to Medicare. http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10050.pdf <ref>

Whenever applying for Medicare or Social Security, applicants should bring the following information to make the process go as smoothly as possible:

1. Birth certificate
2. Driver’s license or other proof of identity
3. Proof of current health insurance
4. Social Security card
5. If applying due to disability, also provide the names of any health care providers – both doctors and hospitals – that are providing services.

Both Social Security and Medicare have publications that will help make the process clearer. Registering at www.mymedicare.gov will give access to the “Medicare & You” handbook, view eligibility, and complete enrollment. General enrollment is between January 1 through March 31 of every year.

In order to be accepted for Medicare coverage, you must be over the age of 65 and/or have a qualifying disability. In addition, either you or your spouse must have worked at a job in which Medicare taxes were paid for a period of at least 10 years. If you are eligible for social security benefits, you will most likely qualify for Medicare.

IF YOU ARE ALREADY RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY

People already receiving Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) and living in the 50 states will automatically be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B starting the first day of the month they turn 65. The information needed will be provided a few months before they are eligible. Because there is a premium associated with Part B, it is possible to decline coverage. To do so, follow the instructions that come with your Medicare Part B Card and return it. [ http://www.medicare.gov/basics/socialsecurity.asp ] <ref>

IF YOU ARE NEARING ELIGIBILITY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY

If a person is nearing age 65 and not getting Social Security or Medicare (for instance, if they’re still working), it is possible to apply for both at once. They may also choose to only apply for Medicare Part A if they don’t want to receive Social Security at age 65.

In either case, the application(s) should be made three months before the month of the 65th birthday to avoid a delay in Medicare Part B coverage. Applying for benefits can often be done online at www.socialsecurity.gov, or they can local Social Security office and apply in person.

If internet access is not available, an appointment with the local office can be made by calling 800-772-1213 or TTY access at 800-325-0778. The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board can assist people employed by the railroad at www.rrb.gov.

IF YOU ARE DISABLED

If a person is disabled and under age 65, they will automatically also get Medicare Part B once they receive disability benefits from either the Railroad Retirement Board or Social Security. Once again, if Part B isn’t desired, follow the instructions on the card and return it to avoid paying premiums.

It is recommended that you apply 3 months before you turn 65, to ensure that benefits are in place as soon as you are of age. If you are currently receiving social security benefits, you will not need to do anything to enroll in Medicare, and you should receive your card before your 65th birthday. If you are not receiving social security benefits, you can apply for both at the same time.

You may be able to apply online, provided you meet certain requirements. Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov to find out if you are qualified, and to complete the online application. If you are not qualified to apply online, visit your nearest Social Security Administration office, or call 1-800-772-1213.

The options for Medicare private health care coverage – also called Medicare Advantage - are extensive and must be chosen according to individual circumstance. The process of comparison can begin at: http://bit.ly/2OmePa , which can narrow the options to the specific location of the applicant. Many plans offer additional services and may offer lower costs overall, however there may also be restrictions on facilities and physicians that are covered. Online enrollment will be available November 15, 2009.