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Return To Healthcare Article Archive   Search the Article Archives Are You Eligible for Medicare? By Barry Waxler As a person nears retirement age, they begin to wonder if they are eligible for Medicare. Many people do not realize that they may even be eligible for Medicare before the age of 65. Medicare is the largest health insurance plan in the United States. It serves almost 40 million senior citizens and disabled persons. The plan is administered by the Federal Government through an agency called the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Eligibility is based in many ways on the Social Security System. Basic Medicare coverage is divided into Part A and Part B. Part A refers to hospital care and Part B refers to outpatient care. You are eligible for Part A Medicare coverage if you are eligible for a Social Security benefit payment. In fact, you apply for Part A Medicare coverage automatically when you apply for your basic Social Security benefits. It is possible to be eligible for Part A Medicare even if you are not receiving a Social Security payment if you were employed for a required amount of time in a position where Medicare deductions were made from you paycheck. You may also purchase Part A benefits if you are not otherwise eligible to have them without charge. Medicare Part B coverage is for physicians, lab work, tests, and other outpatient services. You are automatically eligible for Part B and are also automatically enrolled in it, if you are enrolled in Part A. You do have the option to decline Part B at the time of enrollment in Part A. It is possible to be eligible for Medicare before the age of 65. In order to be eligible you need to be disabled and also to have received Social Security disability payments for a minimum of 24 months. Enrollment in Medicare is done at local Social Security offices and all eligibility questions can also be answered there. It is important to understand all of your options and the penalties as well. People who decline coverage or delay past age 65 are subject to a 10% penalty for every year they delay should they change their minds and seek coverage later. It is a good idea to discuss your Medicare situation with your Insurance Agent. He will also have information about eligibility, but more important will be able to guide you on the gaps and exclusions of Medicare. There are many forms of Supplemental Insurance available to reinforce the benefits of Medicare, and these need to be carefully considered as you approach eligibility age. About the Author: Learn more about California medicare supplement insurance online at UFCAmerica.com. Health Care Administration Jobs

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