Those who are 65 years and over
Admission into Medicare is granted if:
- You’re a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident who has resided in the country for at least five years.
- You’re receiving Social Security or Railroad benefits or have satisfied the minimum work-span requirements to make you qualify but have not started receiving them.
- The government employs you or your spouse, or you’re a retired person who has never paid into Social Security but has paid Medicare payroll taxes.
Those who are under 65
- You were eligible for Social Security coverage for at least 24 months (that needn’t be consecutive).
- You are receiving a disability pension from the Railroad Retirement Board and meet some requirements.
- You have Lou Gehrig’s disease, which makes you instantly eligible.
- You have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney damage) and require frequent dialysis or kidney replacement.
Other ways to be eligible for Medicare
You can join according to these Medicare guidelines:
- Paying Part A premium rates for hospital coverage. Usually, the longer you work, the more work quarters you gain. If you have worked less than 30 quarters, you will pay the max premium of $471 for 2021. If you have worked 30 to 39 quarters, you will pay less – $259 per month. If you keep working till you reach 40 quarters (equivalent to ten years), you will be eligible for premium-free Part A.
- You can get Part D if you enrolled in Part A or Part B.
- You cannot apply for a Medicare Advantage plan or buy a Medigap supplement policy unless you have enrolled in both Parts A and B.