As people grow older, many transition from an individual or employer-sponsored health insurance plan to Medicare. Some disabled individuals qualify for Medicare. Individuals who are not sure if or when they qualify for Medicare seek answers to their own eligibility questions.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B provides medical insurance for doctor visits, diagnostic services, preventive care and physical therapy. The coverage pays a limited portion of the total bill and omits coverage for other services. All United States citizens age 65 or older are eligible for Medicare Part B. Legal residents in the country for a minimum of five years also qualify. Medicare Part B is an optional coverage and requires a premium payment from anyone choosing this coverage.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Part A at No Cost?
Medicare Part A provides medical coverage for hospital care, nursing homes and home health care. Individuals under age 65 are eligible for Medicare Part A with no premium if they meet specific criteria. An individual who is entitled to receive Social Security Disability benefits or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for at least 24 months qualifies. Individuals with kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant qualify. Individuals age 65 or older qualify for Medicare Part A at no cost if they or their spouse worked for at least ten years and paid Medicare taxes during that period. Certain individuals not qualifying for free Medicare Part A can choose to purchase this coverage. They must be age 65 or older and live permanently in the United States.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Part C?
Medicare Part C offers two types of coverage, managed care plans and fee-for-service plans. Managed care plans include health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations. These plans require the insured to see network doctors or the coverage is reduced. Fee-for-service plans allow the insured to see any doctor who accepts the plan's limitations on medical service and payment. Anyone who qualifies for both Medicare Part A and Part B also qualifies for Part C. Medicare Part C plans are offered regionally and must be accepting new people in order for a qualifying individual to join the plan.
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