
Medicare
Let our professionals guide you
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that helps pay for health care costs for people who are 65 or older. It also helps some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions.
What does Medicare cover?
Part A: Covers hospitalization, home or skilled nursing, and hospice
Part B: Covers medical insurance, including certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services
Part D: Is a voluntary prescription drug coverage benefit for people with Medicare. It is an additional benefit that can be added to Original Medicare
When do I qualify for Medicare?
Most individuals qualify for Medicare when they turn 65.
You may qualify earlier if you have:
A disability
End-Stage Renal Disease (kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant)
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
What are the eligibility requirements for Medicare?
Meeting the qualifications mentioned above
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Lived in the United States for at least 5 years
Receive or be eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits
Have worked long enough to be eligible for Social Security or RRB benefits
Be the dependent parent of a deceased child who was fully insured for Medicare
When can I enroll in Medicare?
You can sign up for Part A and Part B three months before turning 65 and three months after turning 65.
If you've been covered by an employer group health plan, you can sign up during a Special Enrollment Period without penalty.
You can apply for Medicare Part A and B online, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
When can I enroll in Medicare Supplement coverage?
Initial enrollment is a six-month period that starts on the first day of the month you turn 65 and after signing up for Medicare Part B.
There are additional special enrollment periods outside these timeframes.
