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Federal Benefit Program: Medicare

By Robert Longley, About.com

Description: Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 years of age or older, some disabled people under 65 years, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant). Medicare coverage is comprised of two parts: Hospital Insurance (Part A) and Medical Insurance (Part B).
Eligibility Criteria: You must be 65 years of age or older and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. You might also qualify for coverage if you are a younger person with a disability or with End-Stage Renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant) or Lou Gehrig's Disease.
Hospital Insurance (Part A): You can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if:

  • You are already receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.

  • You are eligible to receive Social Security or Railroad benefits but have not yet filed for them.

  • You or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment.
  • Medical Insurance (Part B): If you are under 65, you can get Part B without having to pay premiums if:

  • You have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefit for 24 months.

  • You are a kidney dialysis or kidney transplant patient.
  • Program Contacts and Information: If you have additional questions about your eligibility for Medicare Part A or Part B, or if you want to apply for Medicare, please contact the Social Security Administration toll-free at: 800-772-1213. The TTY-TDD number for the hearing and speech impaired is: 800-325-0778.
    Web Resources: Medicare Primer - Medicare Program Homepage

    To check on your Medicare eligibility and enrollment status, visit: Medicare Eligibility Tool

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