Medicare Eligibility Requirements
Who is Eligible for Medicare?
Medicare has been established by the U.S. Government in order to help U.S. citizens meet the costs associated with their healthcare. Being 65 and a U.S. citizen though are not the only requirements to be eligible for Medicare. Certain individuals under the age of 65 may also qualify for Medicare benefits if they have certain disabilities or permanent kidney failure. Since all Americans are unique and different and have different health concerns it is important that you choose the right medicare plan that works for you.
Which Medicare Plans Are You Eligible For?
Medicare consists of 4 parts: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.
Medicare Part A:
Medicare Part A will cover your hospital insurance. Part A covers most medical necessary hospital services, but it does NOT cover all expenses. Some of the expenses covered by Medicare Part A include: Inpatient hospital care(over-night hospital care and treatment for a minimum of 3 days, or 72 hours); blood transfusions; skilled nursing care at a facility or nursing home following medical treatment in a hospital), hospice, and home health care services. Medicare Part A generally does not require the payment of a premium as most payments are taken from a paycheck from those who work. You will be eligible for Part A if you meet any of the listed qualifications for Medicare.
Medicare Part B:
Most Medicare providers require you to get Medicare Part B coverage at the same time as you apply for Part A. Medicare Part B covers medical insurance – this is for other expenses and medical needs not covered in Part A.
Medicare Part B includes the following services: Doctor’s visits and medical advice, outpatient care(medical service not requiring an overnight stay at a hospital or medical facility). Medicare Part B is especially important for individuals with diabetes or at-risk for diabetes because it covers many of the costs associated with diabetes. Medicare Part B also covers many necessary preventative shots and vaccinations such as: flu and hepatitis B. Note that Medicare Part B does require a monthly premium of about $96 per month. If you qualify for Medicare Part A, you will also likely qualify for Medicare Part B.