People turning 65 in 2022 and people who will have received disability benefits for 24 months are eligible for Medicare.
Qualifying for Medicare
Medicare is a government health insurance program that helps America’s seniors and those with disabilities access affordable healthcare.
Medicare comes in multiple parts. Medicare Part A and Part B make up Original Medicare. Part A covers inpatient care in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, mental health facility or nursing home, along with hospice care and home health care. Part B covers outpatient services, ambulance services, durable medical equipment, mental health care and limited outpatient prescription drugs.
Medicare for Seniors
American citizens and legal permanent residents of at least five years who are age 65 or older are eligible for Medicare in 2022.
When you near the age of 65 you should begin thinking about which Medicare plans will work best for your needs. You can first sign up for Medicare during your initial enrollment period, which begins three months before the month of your 65th birthday, lasting for a total of seven months. If you sign up during the first three months of your initial enrollment period, your coverage will begin on the first day of your birthday month, or the first day of the previous month if your birthday is on the first. Signing up during your birthday month or in the three months after will mean your Medicare coverage begins one month after you enroll.
Medicare for People Under 65 with Disabilities
People under age 65 can be eligible for Medicare if they have received disability benefits for at least 24 months from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
People with disabilities will automatically be enrolled in Medicare, with coverage beginning in their 25th month of receiving disability benefits. This is because Social Security (and the Railroad Retirement Board) is responsible for administering both the disability and Medicare benefits, so they know exactly when you are eligible. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail around the 23rd month of disability benefits.
Another perk people who qualify for Medicare due to disabilities receive is premium-free Part A. If you ever lose your premium-free Part A due to returning to work, you can apply for the Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals Program, which will help to pay for your Part A premiums.
What Medicare Plans Can You Sign up for?
So you’re eligible for Medicare. How do you know what to sign up for? With so many parts, it’s a wonder the nation’s seniors can navigate this system. Luckily, there are resources you can turn to for help.
If you are seeking assistance with enrolling in Medicare in 2022, you can contact Carolina Senior Benefits today for a personalized consultation.
