About Medicare
Medicare Parts A and B are the two main components of Original Medicare:
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Medicare Part A: Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care services.
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Medicare Part B: Covers outpatient medical services, preventive services, doctor's visits, medical supplies, and durable medical equipment.
Most people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A when they turn 65 if they are receiving Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. However, enrollment in Medicare Part B is typically not automatic and requires signing up during the Initial Enrollment Period, which is usually a 7-month period that begins three months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after you turn 65. If you miss this initial enrollment period, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).The program is often called Original MedicareFunded in part by taxes you pay while workingIndividual health insuranceIt has two parts – Part A and Part B
Medicare is generally available to individuals aged 65 or older, as well as to younger individuals with disabilities. Medicare comprises two main parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medicare Insurance). You qualify for premium-free Part A if you are aged 65 or older and either you or your spouse worked and contributed to Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can enroll in Part A at age 65 without paying premiums if:
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You are currently receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
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You are eligible for Social Security or Railroad benefits but have not yet applied for them.
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You or your spouse had government employment that included Medicare coverage.
To determine your eligibility and expected premium, use the Medicare.gov eligibility tool.
If you (or your spouse) did not pay Medicare taxes during your employment, and you are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States aged 65 or older, you may be able to purchase Part A. If you are under 65, you may qualify for premium-free Part A if:
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You have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for 24 months. (Note: Individuals with Lou Gehrig’s disease start receiving Medicare benefits in the first month of disability benefits.)
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You are a kidney dialysis or kidney transplant patient.
While most individuals do not pay a premium for Part A, everyone must pay for Part B if they choose to enroll. This monthly premium is typically deducted from your Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or Civil Service Retirement benefits. If you do not receive these payments, Medicare will send you a bill for your Part B premium every 3 months.