Medicare Eligibility Guidelines

Medicare is a federal health insurance program offered in the United States. Medicare comes in four parts, named A, B, C (or Medicare Advantage), and D. Part A offers mainly inpatient hospitalization benefits, while B covers preventive and medically necessary services. Medicare Advantage bundles Part A and B benefits with extras such as vision and dental, while Part D covers prescription drugs. Not everyone can receive Medicare, however. In order to start using benefits, you must first meet certain enrollment and eligibility criteria.

Age

• Medicare was designed mainly for America's senior citizens. The vast majority of people who qualify for Medicare are those 65 years of age or older. If you meet the age requirement and are a U.S. citizen or legal resident who has lived in the country for more than five years, you qualify for original Medicare, which is made up of Part A and Part B. Once you are enrolled in Part A, you also qualify for Part B.

Medicare Taxes

• Part A Medicare is offered without monthly premiums to people who have paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters, or 10 years, as well as their spouses. If you have not paid into Medicare for this long, you are still eligible for Part A if you pay a monthly premium.

Health Conditions

• If you have certain health conditions, you may be eligible for Medicare even if you are under the age of 65. People with end-stage renal disease, kidney failure requiring dialysis, may get Medicare benefits before reaching the minimum age. You may also be eligible if you have a disability. People under 65 who receive Medicare may not be able to enroll in Medigap policies, however.

Premiums

• If you have not paid Medicare taxes for 10years, you will need to pay a premium to keep Part A. Everyone enrolled in Parts B, C and D will have to pay premium for those as well. The Part A premium depends on how long or if you have paid Medicare taxes. In 2010, Medicare Part A premiums for people who have paid 30 to 39 quarters of Medicare tax payments was $254 per month. The premium was $461 per month for people who had paid Medicare taxes for fewer than 30 quarters. Part B premiums depend on your income level, but the standard Part B premium for 2011 was $115.40 per month. Premiums for Medicare Advantage and Part D Medicare depend on which company you buy your policy from. You do not have to buy Parts C or D and can opt out of Part B by following the instructions on your Medicare card.