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Medicare
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a U.S. government health insurance program that subsidizes healthcare services. The plan covers people age 65 or older, younger people who meet specific eligibility criteria, and individuals with certain diseases.
Medicare is divided into different plans that cover a variety of healthcare situations—some of which come at a cost to the insured person. While this allows the program to offer consumers more choice in terms of costs and coverage, it also introduces complexity for those seeking to sign up.
Is It Right For Me?
Eligibility depends on a number of criteria, but in general, anyone who has lived in the United States legally for at least five years and is age 65 or older qualifies for Medicare coverage. Enrollment in Parts A and B is automatic for anyone who receives Social Security benefits. Part D coverage is optional, and enrollment must be done by the individual.7
People under age 65 may qualify if they receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Those who receive SSDI generally need to wait 24 months after they receive their first check before they become eligible for Medicare, although the program waives this requirement for anyone with ALS and or with permanent kidney failure.