Medicare Eligibility
Medicare eligibility begins, for most, at age 65. However, individuals who have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months are also eligible. There are also some other criteria that allows you to be eligible to receive Medicare benefits.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE?
So, you can qualify for Medicare coverage at 65 if you are a US citizen or a permanent resident and you’ve lived here continuously for at least five years.
If you are under 65, you can also qualify if you meet these criteria:
- You are permanently disabled and you have been receiving Social Security disability income benefits for 24 months.
- You have end-stage renal disease.
- You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
What are Medicare Supplements?
Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, are designed to work with Original Medicare Parts A and B. Medigap policies help pay for some health care costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as deductibles, coinsurance and foreign travel emergency.
These plans are offered by private insurance companies and are available to people with Medicare Part A and B.
People with Original Medicare and a Medicare supplement can choose any stand-alone Part D prescription plans to pay for their drugs.
People who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are not eligible for a Medicare Supplement insurance policy.