Do All Elders Receive Medicare at 65?

Medicare provides health insurance to senior citizens who turn 65 years old and also people who are enrolled in the Social Security Disability program. Most American workers qualify to receive Medicare when they reach the correct age. However, not everyone is eligible to receive free Medicare Part A benefits, which help to pay for the costs of hospital care and hospice care.

Medicare at Age 65

• When you reach 65 years of age, you become eligible to receive Medicare Part A free coverage. However, not all senior citizens are eligible to enroll in Medicare Part A free coverage. You can only enjoy premium-free Part A if you (or your spouse) have paid Medicare tax while working. If you have never worked and not paid Medicare tax, you are not eligible to receive Part A free coverage. Also, not every senior citizen is automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, which is medical insurance. In the case of Part B, you must sign up for Medicare benefits.

Signing Up for Medicare

• You are only automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B if you are already receiving Social Security benefits, such as retirement or disability. If you are not yet receiving benefits, even though you may qualify for free Part A, you must still contact the Social Security Administration to sign up for Medicare by calling 800-MEDICARE or by going to your local office. (Social Security has offices all over the country.) You must do so three months before you turn 65. If you do not qualify for premium-free Part A, you might be able to buy Medicare Part A coverage. You qualify to purchase Part A if you are an American citizen or permanent resident who is older than 65 and if you are enrolled (or plan to enroll) in Medicare Part B.

Medicare Part C and Part D

• Once you enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, you are also eligible to enroll in Medicare Part C and Part D. Medicare Part C provides additional coverage, such as hearing, dental and vision, plus Part A and Part B coverage, through private companies that have a contract with Medicare. Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. Not every senior who is 65 has Medicare Part C and Part D, since it is a personal choice to enroll. If you do decide to enroll, you have to pay monthly premiums.

Exceptions

• Some elderly people might be able to receive Medicare before age 65. A person who is disabled or blind and who receives Social Security Disability benefits can receive Medicare coverage before age 65. However, you are required to receive disability benefits for 24 months before you are enrolled in Medicare. Your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits start automatically in the 25th month of disability benefits. You can choose to drop Part B or keep it, but Part B requires monthly premiums payments. At this point, you can also enroll in Medicare Part C and Part D.