There are numerous ways to be eligible for Medicare. While it’s commonly thought of as a federally funded health insurance program for seniors ages 65 and up, it’s not always limited to that age group. You can also qualify for a number of other reasons, be it due to a medical condition or receiving other benefits.
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program consisting of different types of coverage. Its coverage is divided into:
- Part A – inpatient
- Part B – outpatient
- Part C – bundled inpatient and outpatient coverage, with some plans offering drug coverage, too
- Part D – prescriptions
You can enroll in Part B without getting Part A, but if you get Part A, you must enroll in Part B, too. Enrolling in Part D requires having Part A or Part B, but Medicare Advantage (Part C) requires being enrolled in both Parts A and B.
In any case, one must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five years in order to be able to get Medicare.
Who Can Get Medicare?
You can qualify for Medicare if you’re at least 65 years old and you:
- Have worked long enough to qualify for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits
- Receive Social Security or RRB benefits
- Are either a government employee or retiree who hasn’t paid into Social Security, but have contributed to Medicare taxes (also applies to spouses)
If you’re under 65, you can get Medicare if you:
- Receive a disability pension from the RRB
- Are eligible for disability benefits from Social Security for at least 24 months (can be non-consecutive)
- Have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Have permanent kidney failure that requires a kidney transplant or dialysis (as long as you’ve paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time, depending on how old you are)
How Does Employment Impact Medicare Part A?
When you’re employed as a U.S. citizen, a portion of your earnings go toward Medicare when you pay taxes. As you earn income, you also earn tax credits. In 2023, every $1,640 in earnings counts as a credit, and you can earn up to four credits per year.
The number of tax credits impact Medicare Part A premium costs
- Under 30 credits – $506
- 30-39 credits – $278
- 40 or more credits – you can get Part A for $0 per month (if you join when first eligible)
Make The Most Of Your Eligibility Today
At JA Agency, we’ll help you get the most out of your eligibility. We want you to get all the benefits possible, and provide them for you at the lowest cost. Your policy is only a call away. Call us today at (551) 795-1229.