Medicare is a federal programme that provides health insurance to US citizens and others who meet
the requirements for age, disability or a qualifying medical condition. Medicare is individual insurance and does not cover
spouses or dependents.

Who can get Medicare?

U.S. citizens and legal residents. Legal residents must live in the United States for at least 5 consecutive years
, including the 5 years prior to applying for Medicare.
In addition, you must meet one of the following requirements:
– Over age 65
– Under age 65 with a qualifying disability
– Any age with a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Eligible due to a disability?
You will become eligible for Medicare after receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months.

How to register?

If you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you become eligible, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail. If you are not receiving benefits,
you will need to enroll in Medicare when you become eligible. To enroll online, visit socialsecurity.gov or call or visit your local Social Security office at
.

Medicare is not Medicaid.

Medicaid is a programme that helps pay for health care costs for people with limited income and resources.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is provided by the federal government. It helps pay for hospital stays and doctor visits, but doesn’t cover everything. You can add coverage by joining one or more Medicare private plans or Medicare-related plans.

First, you must enroll in Original Medicare.

Provided by the federal government Now, you can look at additional coverage options Offered by private insurance companies
Part A
Helps pay for hospital stays and inpatient care
Part B
Helps pay for doctor’s visits and outpatient care

Now, you can look at options for additional coverage

Option 1
And you can also add:
Option 2

Medicare Supplemental Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

Helps pay for some out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)

Combines Original Medicare Part A and Part B coverage in one plan
. Generally includes prescription drug coverage (Part D)

It may offer additional benefits, such as dental and vision coverage.

1 There are two ways to get Medicare

Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Part A is hospital coverage and Part B is medical coverage. Original Medicare is provided by the federal government. Benefits and coverage are the same nationwide. With Original Medicare, you can also add a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare supplement insurance plan (Medigap). Medicare Advantage (Part C). These plans combine your Part A and Part B coverage, and many also include Part D prescription drug coverage and other benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, vision, or fitness. The plans are offered by private insurance companies.

2 There are two ways to obtain drug coverage

You can add a stand-alone prescription drug plan (Part D) to Original Medicare. Or, you can join a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage.

3 Original Medicare does not cover everything

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover everything you may need for your health. It doesn’t include prescription drug coverage, hearing, vision, dental, wellness, or financial protection. If you want additional coverage, explore plans offered by private insurance companies.

4 Location affects your coverage options

Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans vary in coverage and costs. Insurance companies may offer various plans where you live. Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) plans are standardised and are the same throughout the country, except in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Massachusetts.

5 Calculate all your Medicare costs

– You are responsible for monthly premiums plus additional out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
– Your costs will vary depending on the Medicare coverage you choose, the health services you use during the year, and whether you have financial assistance for Medicare costs.

6 High out-of-pocket protection

– Medicare Advantage plans put a cap on your out-of-pocket costs for Part A and Part B services covered by the plan. This is called the “annual out-of-pocket maximum” and it provides built-in financial protection. With Original Medicare, there is no out-of-pocket maximum. Total out-of-pocket costs and financial protections may vary for in-network and out-of-network costs.
– Medicare supplement insurance plans help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay, like deductibles and coinsurance. A variety of plans are available that offer different levels of financial protection. Medigap plans are organized by letters, such as “Plan A” or “Plan G”.
– Both Medicare Advantage plans and
Medicare supplemental insurance plans are offered by private insurance companies. You can have either a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan, but not both together.

7 The timing is important when registering for the first time
first time

– Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare. This period lasts 7 months and includes the month of your birthday or the 25th month since you receive disability benefits plus the 3 months before and 3 months after.
– You may qualify to postpone enrollment in Medicare if you have creditable coverage through your employer or your spouse’s employer. If you can postpone enrollment, you will have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that begins when you lose employer coverage or leave your job, whichever comes first.
– If you enroll after your Initial Enrollment Period or Special Enrollment Period, you could face late enrollment penalties for Medicare Part A, Part B, or Part D.

8 You may be able to register or make changes at other times

– Medicare offers a General Enrollment Period (GEP) every year from January 1 to March 31 for people who have missed their Initial Enrollment Period.
– Medicare provides Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) for qualifying life events. Examples include moving from your primary residence or leaving an employer health plan. Visit medicare.gov for a complete list of qualifying events.
– The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP) is from January 1 through March 31 each year. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or drop a plan and return to Original Medicare during this period.
– The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period takes place every year from October 15 through December 7. You can change your coverage during this period if you choose to do so.