What Medicare Is, Its Requirements, and Costs

Medicare is the U.S. government’s health insurance program for people aged 65 and older.

However, if you are under 65, you might be able to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or Lou Gehrig\'s disease (ALS).

• Requirements. To qualify for coverage, you must have 40 Social Security credits and have paid taxes for at least 10 years.
• Costs. If you have fewer than 40 Social Security credits, you will need to pay a monthly premium. Medicare costs depend on the type of coverage you choose and the number of years you worked and paid taxes.
• Help with Medicare premiums. If you need help paying the monthly premium for insurance, check out Medicare savings programs.

Medicare Coverage Options

Medicare is divided into four parts:

• Part A of Medicare (hospital insurance) helps pay for inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care.
• Part B of Medicare (medical insurance) can help pay for doctor visits, home health care, medical equipment, and preventive services. Learn how to cancel Part A or B coverage if you don’t need it.
• Part C of Medicare (Medicare Advantage) is a plan approved by Medicare but provided by a private company, offered as an alternative for health and drug coverage.
• Part D of Medicare (drug coverage) helps cover the cost of prescription medications. Find out how the parts of Medicare work together to cover your medical costs.

How to Enroll in Medicare If You Are 60 or Older

There are different ways to enroll in Medicare:

• If you apply for Social Security retirement benefits between age 62 and up to 4 months before you turn 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare (Parts A and B) when you turn 65.
• If you apply for Social Security retirement benefits 3 months before turning 65 or afterward, you can sign up for Medicare when you apply for your retirement benefits. Note that the initial enrollment period for Medicare starts 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. This period is 7 months; if you don’t enroll during this time, you might have to pay a penalty.
• If you are not ready to start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits at age 65 because you are still working, you can apply for Medicare benefits independently online (in English) or wait until you retire to enroll during the special enrollment period. Find out how Medicare works if you work after age 65. Check this guide to find out when to enroll in Medicare based on your situation.

Enroll in Medicare

How to Get Medicare If You Are Under 65 and Have a Disability

• If you have a disability, you will automatically receive Medicare benefits (Part A and B) when you reach 24 months of receiving Social Security disability benefits.
• If you have end-stage renal disease, learn about Medicare coverage and how to enroll.
• If you have Lou Gehrig\'s disease, you will automatically receive Medicare benefits (Part A and B) when you start receiving Social Security disability benefits.

Find Medical Providers and Hospitals That Accept Medicare

Many healthcare providers accept Medicare, including doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, and home care providers.

• Comprehensive coverage

  Medicare offers health coverage for people age 65 and older, as well as some people under age 65 with certain disabilities.

• Division of Parts

  Medicare is divided into three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C.

• Flexible Plan Options and Annual Adjustments

  Medicare allows beneficiaries to choose from different types of plans based on their health needs and financial situation.