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Medicare A and B Rules

When you reach retirement age, you have access to public health insurance if you have paid Medicare tax over the years. Medicare tax funds the Medicare program and insures senior citizens for hospital and clinic costs. Access more complete coverage through Medicare by paying a monthly premium that is generally lower than it would be if you bought a private insurance policy.

  1. Medicare A Rules

    • Medicare Part A covers recipients without a premium. Part A helps to pay for the costs of services at hospitals and clinics. You are eligible to receive Medicare if you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. You are eligible for free coverage if you are older than 65 and you (or your spouse) have paid Medicare tax while working or if you are otherwise eligible to receive Social Security benefits. If you are younger than 65 you can also meet requirements for eligibility if you have had Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits for at least 24 months, if you have worked long enough in a federal government job or if you have permanent kidney failure.

    Medicare A Paid Coverage Rules

    • You are not entitled to receive free Part A benefits if you do not meet the requirements mentioned above and you have not paid Medicare tax. If you are not entitled to receive Medicare Part A free benefits, Medicare rules still allow you to purchase Part A benefits in some cases. If you decide to do so, you must agree to pay a monthly premium for Part A benefits. You are eligible to purchase Medicare Part A if you are older than 65 years of age, if you can enroll in Part B (medical insurance) and if you are a U.S. citizen or a legal resident. You can also purchase Part A coverage if you are younger than 65 years of age if you are disabled and if you had Part A coverage because of your condition but it ended because you returned to work.

    Medicare Part B Rules

    • Medicare Part B helps you to pay for medical costs such as doctor visits and preventive care. Unlike Medicare Part A, Part B coverage is not free, and you must pay a monthly premium to enjoy its benefits. You are eligible to enroll in Part B if you are already enrolled in Part A, which means that you already meet the requirements for citizenship. However, you can also purchase Part B if you do not have Part A but you are older than 65 years of age and a U.S. citizen or a legal nonimmigrant who has lived in the United States for at least five years.

    Medicare Part A and Part B Enrollment Rules

    • Enrollment in Part A and Part B is automatic, and its coverage starts when you turn 65 years of age. You can start enjoying its benefits on the first day of the month you turn 65, or, if your birthday is on the first, your coverage starts on the first of the previous month. However, since Part B coverage is not free, you can choose not to be enrolled in Part B. If you make this choice, you must return the Medicare Part B card you receive to the Social Security office.

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