What are the conditions for eligibility and coverage under Medicare health insurance?

Medicare is a federal program implemented through the passage of a law in 1965 by Congress. In general, Medicare rules indicate that those who are insured under it must contribute through deductions from their paychecks when they were still employed. The rules for Medical Health Insurance eligibility are usually comparable from state to state.

Existing Medicare health insurance rules have predetermined conditions that specify eligibility. You are generally eligible for Medicare if you are 65 years old and above, if you are under 65 years old but with a permanent kidney failure or with a specific disability, and if you are a legal  citizen in the US for at least five years.

Medicare consists of Parts A, B, C and D. If you are automatically eligible for membership, you are given Part A of Medicare. You can then choose to get Parts B, C and D at additional cost.

Part A helps cover medical cost. This usually includes the cost for hospitalization and utilization costs for hospice or nursing homes. It also covers the cost for medical care that is given at home under specific conditions. Many do not have to contribute for this part because this is usually paid through taxes.

Part B pays for the necessary outpatient medical care and doctors’ services. It usually settles payment for preventive services such as flu shots and other forms of treatment that control the spread of illnesses.

Usually, Medicare enrollment is free during the first seven months after your 65th birthday. Once a beneficiary, Medicare will pay for most of your medical needs. Medicare does not cover home-based medical care, or those given in a nursing facility. It also does not cover the medical expenses of people with longtime illnesses or recurring disabilities.

Medicare Advantage Plans are customized plans which are modified according to your medical needs. These plans usually offer drug prescription programs and are covered by private insurers. Its terms of coverage are usually dependent on your preferred program and your eligibility. Such plans, however, are not available in every state.

To apply for Medicare, it is best to consider the different plans that may address your medical needs, and the enrollment periods. Usually, you will be automatically enrolled in Part A, and you can choose to enroll in Part B, on the same month that you turned 65 years old. This provision applies if you are a Social Security beneficiary before you turn 65. Your Medicare card will then be sent to you through mail in the three months before your birthday.

To know more about Medicare health insurance, you may check out various online sources and published guidelines about it.

Answer by general public — June 11, 2009 @ 7:19 pm

1 Comment

  1. I have several key executives living in Asia but are USA citizens.
    I do not believe they pay into the Social Security system and that is at there option.
    How can they buy into the medicare system when they are 65?

    Comment by Phyllis — June 11, 2009 @ 10:47 am

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