Medicare
Medicare is a national health insurance program in the United States that provides health coverage to individuals who are 65 years or older, people with certain disabilities, and individuals with end-stage renal disease. The program is administered by the federal government and funded through payroll taxes, premiums paid by beneficiaries, and general revenue.
WHAT IS MEDICARE?
Medicare is health insurance for the following
- INDIVIDUALS 65 OR OLDER
- INDIVIDUALS UNDER 65 WITH CERTAIN DISABILITIES
- INDIVIDUALS OF ANY AGE WITH END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE (ESRD) – A PERMANENT KIDNEY FAILURE REQUIRING DIALYSIS OR A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT
DIFFERENT PARTS OF MEDICARE
- MEDICARE PART A - HOSPITAL INSURANCE
- MEDICARE PART B - MEDICAL INSURANCE
- MEDICARE PART C - MEDICARE ADVANTAGE
- MEDICARE PART D - PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN
INDIVIDUALS WHO GET PARTS A AND B AUTOMATICALLY
Are you already getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)?
In most cases, you’ll automatically get Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65. If your birthday is on the first day of the month, Part A and Part B will start the first day of the prior month.
Are you under 65 and disabled?
You automatically get Part A and Part B after you get disability benefits from Social Security or certain disability benefits from the RRB for 24 months.
Do you have ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease)?
You automatically get Part A and Part B the month your disability benefits begin.
Do you live in Puerto Rico and get benefits from Social Security or the RRB?
You automatically get Part A. If you want Part B, you need to sign up for it.
SIGN UP FOR PARTS C AND D
There are specific times when you can sign up for Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D), or make changes to coverage you already have.
When You First Get Medicare (Initial Enrollment Periods)
During Certain Times Each Year (Yearly Enrollment Periods)
In Special Circumstances (Special Enrollment Periods)
You change where you live
You lose your current coverage
You have a chance to get other coverage
Your plan changes its contract with Medicare
Other special situations
