What Is Medicare Entitlement?

The Medicare program is a federally funded health care system open to most U.S. citizens and qualified immigrants age 65 and over. There are several criteria for Medicare entitlement.

Social Security Recipient

• To receive Medicare, an individual has to be eligible for Social Security or railroad retirement benefits. That requires working at a job that paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters. As of 2010, workers must earn a minimum of about $1,100 during a quarter to qualify for benefits.

Disability Recipient

• An individual who receives Social Security disability for at least 24 months is entitled to Medicare regardless of age. Under certain conditions, railroad workers eligible for a disability pension under their retirement plan can get Medicare. The same is true for the disabled children and widowed spouse of a worker who has qualified for Medicare entitlement.

Applying for Medicare

• Recipients of Social Security benefits who are entitled to Medicare are automatically enrolled in Part A, hospital insurance that is free, and Part B, medical insurance that is not free. Individuals can opt out of Part B. If not receiving benefits, workers must contact the Social Security Administration about three months before their 65th birthday. Retirement is not required for Medicare entitlement.