Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance to those over 65 and younger people with certain disabilities. To qualify, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements.
Age Requirements
The most common eligibility requirement for Medicare is that you must be 65 or older. For those younger than 65, there are special circumstances in which they may still qualify for Medicare.
Residency Requirements
To qualify for Medicare, you must also be a legal resident of the United States and have lived in the United States for at least five years. This residency requirement applies to those 65 and over and those younger than 65 looking to receive Medicare due to certain disabilities.
Work Requirements
For those over 65, you must have worked for at least ten years and paid Medicare taxes during those ten years in order to qualify for Medicare. If you have not worked for the required ten years, you may still be able to qualify if you are married to someone who has met the ten-year requirement.
Cost Requirements
While there are no income requirements for Medicare, there are still costs associated with the program. Most people will need to pay a monthly premium for Part B and Part D coverage and other costs such as copayments and coinsurance. For those with lower incomes and limited resources, there are programs available that may help cover some of these costs.
Medicare Enrollment Starts Here
Medicare is a great program that provides vital health insurance to those 65 and over and those with certain disabilities. To qualify for Medicare, you must meet age, residency, and work eligibility requirements. There are also costs associated with receiving Medicare, though there are programs available that may help with those costs. Understanding Medicare’s eligibility requirements and costs can help determine if you or a loved one may qualify for the program.
If you’re not sure if you’re eligible for Medicare or know that you’re eligible but aren’t sure of your next steps, we can help. The Benefit Link uses every resource and opportunity to get you your best Medicare coverage. To learn more, schedule a consultation, or call (972) 236-3348. We’ll walk you through your questions with no strings attached.
