Am I Qualified For Medicare

Can I Get Help With My Prescription Drugs

Am I Eligible for Medicare Part D?

For many people, prescriptions are their number one health care cost. There are several ways that low-income people with both Medicare and Medicaid benefits can get extra help with their prescriptions. The first and most important way is to apply for the Social Security Administrations Extra Help program. This program provides low-income subsidies program helps Medicare beneficiaries pay for their Medicare Part D prescription drugs by paying some of the costs. Also known as “Extra Help”, beneficiaries who qualify for LIS receive premium…) to those who need them. These subsidies can help you pay all or part of the monthly premium for a Medicare Part D plan, and is worth about $5,000 per year. You will need to call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 to check your eligibility.

If you are able to enroll in a Special Needs Plan, your SNP will include prescription drug coverage and pay many of the out-of-pocket costs with regular Medicare Advantage plans. Enrollees pay small copayments, but you dont have an annual deductible. You can use our SNP directory to discover enrollment opportunities in your area.

Am I Eligible For Medicare Part D

If youre eligible for Original Medicare , then youre also eligible for Medicare Part D, otherwise known as Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you choose to enroll in Part D coverage, you cannot also enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan .

You have the option to enroll in Medicare Part D during your Initial Enrollment Period, which is when you first become eligible for Original Medicare.

However, you can also enroll later during the annual Open Enrollment Period . If you dont enroll when first eligible, however, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

Am I Eligible For A Medicare Supplement Plan If Im Under Age 65

Federal law does not require insurance companies to sell Medicare Supplement policies to people under 65, but many states do have this requirement. If youre not sure whether Medicare Supplement insurance is available in your state, give Medicare.com a call at the phone number on this page, and licensed insurance agent can help you double-check the rules for your state. You can also contact your states insurance department for more information.

If youre under 65 and have Original Medicare due to a disability, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , or end-stage renal disease , your state may let you apply for a Medicare Supplement policy when youre under 65. However, depending on where you live, you might not be able to purchase the policy option you wantor any Medicare Supplement policyuntil you turn 65. As mentioned above, the best time to enroll in a plan is during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, when you have guaranteed-issue rights. If youre applying for a Medicare Supplement plan and youre under 65, you may not be able to get any plan you want with guaranteed issue.

How To Find Plans That Offer The Giveback Benefit

Not all MA plans offer this benefit, so you must find a plan that does in order to take advantage of the opportunity. In 2021, these plans are offered in nearly all states, so you may find one close to you.

If you enroll in a plan that offers a giveback benefit, you’ll find a section in the plan’s summary of benefits or evidence of coverage that outlines the Part B premium buy-down. Here, you’ll see how much of a reduction you’ll get. You can also call us toll-free at 1-855-537-2378 and one of our knowledgeable, licensed agents will answer your questions and explain your options.

Youre Enrolled In Original Medicare And Are Looking For Additional Coverage

If youre enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, and youre interested in other types of Medicare coverage, your eligibility will depend on the part of Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans are another way to receive your Medicare benefits, delivered through Medicare-contracted private insurance companies. These plans offer, at minimum, the same benefits as Original Medicare, but may include additional coverage, such as routine vision and dental, prescription drug benefits, or wellness programs. You must continue paying your Part B premium, in addition to any premium the Medicare Advantage plan charges. To be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must:

Have Medicare Part A and Part B.
Not have end-stage renal disease .

Live in the service area of the Medicare Advantage plan youre considering.

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. This is optional coverage that doesnt come with Original Medicare and must be obtained through a Medicare-approved private insurance company. You can get this coverage through a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that comes with prescription drug benefits . To be eligible for Medicare Part D, you must:

Have Medicare Part A and/or Part B.

Live in the service area of the plan youre considering.
Not have end-stage renal disease, with some exceptions .

To learn about Medicare plans you may be eligible for, you can:

You May Like: Does Medicare Pay For Chiropractic

Who Is Eligible For Medicare Part C

Now, lets look at Medicare eligibility for Part C, or Medicare Advantage. Youre eligible to enroll if you already have both Part A and Part B.* Coverage is provided through Medicare-approved private insurance companies. Every plan has a service area that you must live in to receive benefits.

*You typically arent eligible for Medicare Advantage if you have ESRD . However, some insurers offer Special Needs Plans that cover ESRD. That will change in 2021 when enrollment restrictions are lifted for enrollees with ESRD.

What Is The Maximum Income To Qualify For Medicare

A Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals policy assists in paying for your Medicare Part A premium . To be eligible, your monthly income cannot be more than $4,045 for an individual or $5,425 for a married couple. Your resource limits are $4,000 for one person and $6,000 for a married couple. You may be qualified for this only if
you are a working disabled individual under 65
you lost your premium-free Part A when you returned to work

you are not getting state medical assistance
you meet the income and resource requirements set by your state
A Qualified Medicare Beneficiary policy helps cover your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, as well as other expenses such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. To be eligible, your monthly income can be no more than $1,010 for an individual or $1,355 for a married couple. Your resource limits are $7,280 for one person and $10,930 for a married couple.

A Qualifying Individual policy helps paying for your Medicare Part B premium. To be eligible, your monthly income can be no more than $1,357 for an individual or $1,823 for a married couple. Your resource limits are $7,280 for one person and $10,930 for a married couple.

A Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary policy helps cover your Medicare Part B premium. To be eligible, your monthly income can be no more than $1,208 for an individual or $1,622 for a married couple. Your resource limits are $7,280 for one person and $10,930 for a married couple.

Medicare Eligibility For Nursing Home Care

Although Medicare does cover skilled nursing care, coverage is generally for a short-term stay. Many limitations come with Medicare eligibility for Nursing Home Care.

However, you may qualify for coverage if you meet the following Medicare eligibility rules:

You must have Part A hospital insurance
You must have stayed inpatient for a minimum of 3 days in a row before nursing home admission
A nursing home must be Medicare-certified

Your nursing home start date is within 30 days after spending three days in the hospital
Your doctor must order nursing home care and services
Skilled professionals must provide services

How Does Buying Into Part A Affect Other Medicare Programs

Am I Eligible for Medicare?

If you pay your Medicare Part A premium, you will not have to pay more for your Part B or Part D coverage. It is possible to only enroll in Part B and not pay for Part A if your work history did not make you eligible for the free benefits. However, if you pay the premium for Part A, you must also enroll in Part B and pay those premiums, as well.

You can purchase part D if you are enrolled in either A or B. You may not enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or get Medigap supplemental insurance coverage if you are not enrolled in both parts A and B.

Enter your zip below and explore all your Medicare coverage options for free!

Also Check: What Age Is For Medicare

How Long Before You Turn 65 Do You Apply For Medicare

When you are first qualified for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to enroll Part A and/or Part B. If you are qualified for Medicare when you turn 65 years old, you can sign up during the 7-month period that:

Starts 3 months before the month you turn 65

Includes the month you turn 65
Finishes 3 months after the month you turn 65

If you wait until the month in which you turn 65 years old to sign up, your Part B coverage will be delayed. This could create a gap in your coverage. In most situations, if you do not enroll in Medicare Part B when you are first eligible, you will have to pay a late enrollment penalty. Moreover, you will have to pay this penalty for as long as you have Part B and you could have a gap in your health coverage.

Am I Eligible For Medicare

If you are either a U.S. citizen or have been a legal, permanent resident for five straight years and 65 years old, you are eligible for Medicare.

If you are under 65 but have been collecting disability benefits from Social Security for at least 24 months, you are eligible for Medicare.

Lastly, if you have End-Stage Renal Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis , are on kidney dialysis, or have had a kidney transplant, you are eligible for Medicare.

Recommended Reading: Is Medicare A Federal Program

Medicare Eligibility For Part A

Every United States citizen qualifies for Medicare Part A upon turning 65. Permanent legal residents of five years, younger individuals with specific disabilities, and those with conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease or Lou Gehrigs Disease also qualify. Individuals already collecting retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board will automatically be enrolled in Medicare. Others will need to apply for Part A with the social security office.

If you or your spouse has been employed and paid Medicare taxes for 10 years or 40 quarters you will receive Part A at no additional cost.

When Am I Eligible For Medicare

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 or older. But you may enroll in Medicare earlier if you have a qualifying disability or end-stage renal disease.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average retirement age is 65 for men and 63 for women. But if you retire before age 65, youll need to have health insurance until youre eligible to enroll in Medicare.

Heres what else you need to know about Medicare eligibility.

Also Check: How Do I Get Part A Medicare

When To Enroll In Medigap

You may only purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance during your open enrollment period. This is a six-month period immediately following your 65th birthday and only after you have enrolled in Medicare Part B.

The enrollment period cannot be changed or repeated. Once the enrollment period ends, you may no longer be able to enroll in a Medigap policy. If you are able, it may cost you more.

Medigap insurers are not allowed to charge you more for a policy if you have pre-existing conditions and cannot ask you about your family medical history.

Medicare Savings Program Eligibility

The Medicare Savings Program helps with some out-of-pocket expenses, such as Part A and Part B. One of these programs can help you pay for your premiums, deductibles, copayments as well as coinsurances associated with Medicare.

Medicare Savings Programs has 4 Types:

SLMB Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program
QI Qualifying Individual Program
QDWI Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals Program.

Aside from the QDWI Program, all these programs will help pay for your Part B premiums.

Medicare Savings Program eligibility automatically qualifies you for Extra Help. The Extra Help program helps you cover the costs of prescriptions.

However, if you are eligible for Extra Help, that does not mean you also qualify for the Medicare Savings Program.

Medicare Eligibility Verification

When you go to the doctor, the billing department will verify your Medicare eligibility. The billing department will need your full name, Medicare number, gender, and date of birth.

So, when you arrive at the doctors and they request identification, be ready!

Read Also: Who Pays For Part A Medicare

Important Information Regarding If You Are Currently Enrolled In Other Medical Coverage:

The Medicare Advantage Plan offered to Oklahoma City retirees incorporate Medicare prescription coverage . Medicare regulations only allow an individual to be enrolled in one Medicare Part D prescription plan.

If you are enrolled in another medical plan that incorporates a Medicare Part D prescription benefit, you will need to make a decision of which plan you wish to maintain coverage and terminate coverage with the other plan. When deciding which plan is best for you, below are some considerations to take into account:

Premium Cost

Eligibility for survivor benefits for spouse

Medicare Eligibility: How To Qualify For Medicare Benefits

Am I Eligible For Medicare?

There are different ways to qualify for Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. Most people become eligible for Medicare by aging into the system when they turn 65. However, you can also qualify for Medicare before 65 if you have certain disabilities.

When it comes to other parts of Medicare, such as Medicare Part C , Medicare Part D , and Medicare Supplement insurance , theres another set of eligibility requirements.

Here are some situations where you may be eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare prescription drug coverage, and Medigap.

Also Check: What Date Does Medicare Coverage Start

Younger Than Age : Who Is Eligible For Medicare

As long as you meet the citizenship/legal residence requirements described above, you may be eligible for Medicare when you are younger than age 65 if one of the following circumstances applies to you:

You have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months in a row
You have Lou Gehrigs disease
You have permanent kidney failure requiring regular dialysis or a kidney transplant. This condition is called end-stage renal disease .

Read more details about enrollment in Medicare when youre under 65.

What Does Medicare Cover

Medicare helps pay for certain health care services and durable medical equipment. To have full Medicare coverage, Medicare beneficiaries must have Part A and Part B .

The following is a partial list of Medicare-covered services. The covered services listed below may require payment of deductibles and Co-Payments.

If you have questions about covered services, call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

Recommended Reading: How Does Medicare Plan G Work

What Kind Of Assistance Do You Get If You Have A Disability

Get more details on social security disability advocates and lawyers. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a federal government funded program for the low income. It can also assist the disabled. TANF will provide financial assistance for basic needs such as shelter, rent, food, and medications.

Many states offer free hunting and fishing licenses, and other state-specific perks. The financial savings dont stop with free access to national parks. Veterans who have a 100% disability rating also can receive state-specific property tax reduction or exemption.

Heating or cooling bill assistance can be provided to the disabled by the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. While it is paid for by the federal government, applications are accepted at the state and local level.

Eligibility For Medicare Supplement Plans

Are you thinking about getting a Medicare Supplement plan, also known as Medigap? You might already be aware that this insurance can pay for some of your Original Medicare costs, but may be wondering when youre eligible for this coverage. There are certain times and situations when youre eligible for Medigap. Heres an overview of how eligibility for Medigap coverage works.

Find affordable Medicare plans in your area

How Should You Enroll In Medicare

Youll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A, which covers hospital care, and Part B, which covers general medical and outpatient care, if youre already receiving social security benefits. To receive Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, you must enroll yourselfits not automatic.

If you arent already receiving benefits, you must register on the Social Security Administrations website. To avoid penalties, you should generally do so three months before your 65th birthday.

Even I didnt realize that the larger Biden infrastructure bill includes Medicare coverage for dental, hearing & vision, which is a HUGE deal. What is our messaging strategy if even I didnt know this?

What If You Worked 10 Years Or Less

Most people will qualify for coverage by paying Medicare and Social Security taxes for 10 years through any combination of employers. Youll need to have spent 10 years doing taxable work to enroll in Medicare Part A for free. If youve worked for less than 10 years in the US, youll need to pay monthly premiums for Medicare Part A.

However, if your spouse who is 62 or older has enough quarterly credits or receives Social Security benefits, then youll still qualify. You may also be able to qualify based on your spouses work record if youre widowed or divorced.

Don't Miss