For the most part, you qualify for Medicare either by turning 65 or by being eligible via social security disability. If you worked during your career and contributed to social security/medicare a minimum of 10 years (or 40 quarters), you automatically qualify for Medicare when you turn 65. Part A (hospitalization) is free and Part B (doctors) costs $104.90. If you have insurance through your employer or through your spouses employment, you can opt out of Part B without penalty.
Retirement Insurance Specialist, Health Benefits USA,
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.
The Part B monthly premium in 2013 is $104.90 per month. It is deducted from your Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or Civil Service Retirement check. If you don’t get any of the above payments, Medicare sends you a bill for your Part B premium every 3 months.
Note: You will be eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 even if you are not eligible for Social Security retirement benefits.
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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.
The Part B monthly premium in 2013 is $104.90 per month. It is deducted from your Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or Civil Service Retirement check. If you don’t get any of the above payments, Medicare sends you a bill for your Part B premium every 3 months.
Note: You will be eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 even if you are not eligible for Social Security retirement benefits.