Medicare Eligibility
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that helps Medicare is a federal health insurance program that helps you pay for things like inpatient care, outpatient care, prescription drugs, and more. At Magellan Healthcare, we’ll help you determine if you’re eligible to receive this coverage and will walk you through the enrollment process. you pay for things like hospital care and prescriptions.
Seniors
The most common Medicare qualifier is age. When you turn 65, you become eligible and can enroll.
You must meet a few basic requirements to receive the full Medicare benefits at age 65. You must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident for at least 5 years.
- Be eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, even if you’re not collecting them.
- Or, you or your spouse may be government employees.
When you turn 65, as long as you meet these qualifications, you’re eligible. And, if you have already been retired for at least 4 months, you’ll be automatically enrolled. Otherwise, or if you want to enroll in an optional, additional plan, you have the 7 months surrounding your 65th birthday to do so.
Disabled Individuals
You do not have to be 65 to be eligible for Medicare. If you are under 65, you’re eligible if you have received at least 24 months of Social Security disability payments, even if they’re non-consecutive.
You will receive low-cost, full Original Medicare coverage, and can enroll in Part C if you so choose. This will give you the room to focus on recovery and not on your insurance. Once you turn 65 with Medicare, your plan will switch to regular 65 and older Medicare.
ESRD and ALS Patients
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) also qualifies you for Medicare. As long as you meet the previously listed set of requirements, you can receive full Medicare coverage if you require regular dialysis or need a kidney transplant.
You’re also automatically eligible if you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Even if you turn age 65, your special eligibility Medicare coverage stays the same.
Have Medicare Questions?
We’re Here to Help!
If you’re interested in learning more about Medicare, we can provide you with the answers you’re looking for. To learn more about how we can help you, call Shepherd Health and Wellness Benefits today.
The purpose of this website is to provide general information on Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Part D, and other health insurance related information. At Shepherd Health and Wellness Benefits, we believe that everyone should have access to the information needed to make an informed, confident decision about their healthcare. Calling the number on this site will connect you to a licensed insurance agent.
Shepherd Health and Wellness Benefits has researched government websites and publications in an effort to provide you with information. We believe the sources we use to provide information to be reliable. However, we do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information. All materials on this site are for informational purposes only. The contents of this website are subject to change without notice. If you would like to find more information about the Government Medicare program, please visit the Official U.S. Government website for Medicare, located at medicare.gov.
Shepherd Health and Wellness Benefits is not connected with, affiliated with, or endorsed by the United States government, the Federal Medicare program, or a state agency. Medicare has not reviewed nor endorsed this information. Products sold by our team are backed by the insurance company’s guaranteed association and underwriting powers.
We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.