The Definition of Medicare Beneficiaries

Medicare is a national health care program designed for and used mainly by senior citizens in the United States. People who are entitled to use the Medicare system are referred to as beneficiaries. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the U.S. had almost 47 million Medicare beneficiaries in 2010. But the term "beneficiary" does not mean Medicare is offered without charge. Beneficiaries must pay monthly premiums, co-payments and co-insurance charges for services and annual deductibles. There are several ways a person can qualify to be a Medicare beneficiary.

Seniors

• Most people qualify for Medicare because of age. The system is open to any U.S. citizen aged 65 years or older. Non-citizen permanent residents who have been living in the country for at least five years can also enroll in Medicare. Certain groups of beneficiaries also qualify for premium-free Part A. If you or your spouse is 65 or older and has worked and paid Medicare taxes for a minimum of 10 years, or 40 quarters, you can receive Part A without monthly premiums. You will still be responsible for all other charges. Part B is not offered premium-free.

The Disabled

• People under the age of 65 may qualify for Medicare if they have disabilities or certain health conditions which also make them eligible for Social Security benefits. Anyone who receives Social Security disability payments because of Lou Gehrig's disease, kidney failure or other qualifying disabilities can not only enroll in the program but may also receive premium-free Part A. Medicare beneficiaries under 65 may have difficulty finding a Medicare supplement plan which will allow them to join, however.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries

• Low-income Medicare beneficiaries are able to receive help paying for the system's co-insurance, premiums and deductibles through state Medicaid programs. Singles and couples who earn less than a certain amount may be classified as Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries, or QMBs. QMBs also cannot hold assets in excess of a certain amount set by their state. If approved, Medicaid will cover the costs for a QMB's Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and co-insurance.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries and Qualified Individuals

• Medicare beneficiaries who make too much money to be classified as QMBs but who still need help paying for their health insurance might receive help from Medicaid as Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries or Qualified Individuals. The income and asset limits are higher for these two categories, and beneficiaries can receive assistance paying for their Part B premiums.