Who is eligible for Medicare?
In general, individuals are eligible for Medicare if they are:
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A U.S. citizen or have been a permanent legal resident for 5 continuous years
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65 years or older, or under 65 and disabled.
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Disabled and have been receiving either Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for at least 24 months or getting continuing dialysis for permanent kidney failure or need a kidney transplant, or they have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS-Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Some beneficiaries may be "dual-eligible". This means they qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Generally this has certain income restrictions, which may vary by state.
Medicaid will pay the beneficiaries Part B premium for them (most beneficiaries have worked long enough and have no Part A premium, and also pay any drugs cost that are not covered by Part D.
The Original Medicare program had two parts:
Only a few special cases exist where prescription drugs are covered by Original Medicare, but as of January 2006, Medicare Part D provides more comprehensive drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans are another way for beneficiaries to receive their Part A, B and D benefits.
For further assistance speak to one of our advisors by completing the Medicare Supplement quotes request form.