Federal Benefit Program: Medicare

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