That is a great question! Medicare was created to allow Senior citizens the opportunity to receive affordable health care at a time when that was difficult to get. The age for being able to apply for Medicare was set at 65. Most people will enroll in the 6 month span that goes from 3 months prior to your 65th, to 3 months after. You can retire and start Social Security early, but Medicare won't kick in until your 65th. Thanks for asking!
Co-Founder, TermInsuranceBrokers.com, Goldenzweig Financial Group, Las Vegas, Nevada
You're eligible for Medicare when you're turning 65 years old. You can apply for Medicare benefits up to 3 months before, the month of, and up to 3 months after your birth month. I recommend applying during the 3 months before the month you turn 65 so your coverage starts on time (the first day of your birth month) - you can be subject to a delayed effective date if you apply during the 3 months after your birth month.
People are eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A when they turn 65 and have met the 40 quarters (10 years) of working life/paying FICA taxes. Anyone who is eligible for premium-free Part A, can qualify for Part B - Part B requires premiums.
Younger individuals with certain disabilities who have been receiving social security disability benefits for 24 continuous months and those with end-stage renal disease, may also be eligible to receive Medicare benefits.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) only 80% of covered healthcare expenses. Medigap plans (also known as Medicare supplement plans) can help cover all or a portion of the other 20%. When you first enroll in Part B, you have a 6-month initial open enrollment period to buy a Medigap plan with NO medical underwriting. The advantage of having a Medigap plan to go with your Original Medicare coverage is that it creates a very predictable expense structure (a major advantage for seniors living on a fixed income).
I hope the information is helpful - please feel free to contact me for help and if you have any other questions. Thanks very much.
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People are eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A when they turn 65 and have met the 40 quarters (10 years) of working life/paying FICA taxes. Anyone who is eligible for premium-free Part A, can qualify for Part B - Part B requires premiums.
Younger individuals with certain disabilities who have been receiving social security disability benefits for 24 continuous months and those with end-stage renal disease, may also be eligible to receive Medicare benefits.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) only 80% of covered healthcare expenses. Medigap plans (also known as Medicare supplement plans) can help cover all or a portion of the other 20%. When you first enroll in Part B, you have a 6-month initial open enrollment period to buy a Medigap plan with NO medical underwriting. The advantage of having a Medigap plan to go with your Original Medicare coverage is that it creates a very predictable expense structure (a major advantage for seniors living on a fixed income).
I hope the information is helpful - please feel free to contact me for help and if you have any other questions. Thanks very much.