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Generally, you are eligible for
Medicare if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years
in Medicare-covered employment and you are 65 years or older
and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. If
you aren’t yet 65, you might also qualify for coverage if
you have a disability or with End-Stage Renal disease
(permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant).
Here are some simple guidelines. You
can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if:
- You already get retirement
benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement
Board.
- You are eligible to get Social
Security or Railroad benefits but haven't yet filed for
them.
- You or your spouse had
Medicare-covered government employment.
If you are under 65, you can get
Part A without having to pay premiums if you have:
- received Social Security or
Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for 24
months.
- End-Stage Renal Disease and
meet certain requirements.
While you do not have to pay a
premium for Part A if you meet one of these conditions, you
must pay for Part B if you want it. Starting January 1,
2007, the Part B premium will be based on your income. Most
people pay the standard monthly Part B premium of $93.50 in
2007. For more information, see our FAQ: Medicare Part B
Monthly Premiums in 2007.
The Part B monthly premium
Note: You will be eligible for
Medicare when you turn 65 even if you aren't eligible for
Social Security retirement benefits. For more information,
please visit our
retirement age FAQ.
Note: For more information about
eligibility for Medicare, call the Social Security
Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social
Security Office. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.
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Medicare Supplement
