Medicare is the federal insurance program for individuals age 65 or older or under age 65 with certain disabilities. No matter which state you reside in, the Medicare program is the same. In California, you can apply for Medicare through the Social Security department at secure.ssa.gov. Low-income applicants may also want to apply for the state assistance program known as Medi-Cal, California's version of the Medicaid program. Submit your application for Medi-Cal along with your Medicare application to supplement coverage.
Instructions
1. Meet the age requirements. To receive Medicare in California or any other state, you must be 65 or older. If you are under 65, you can qualify if you have a qualifying disability. The disability must be evaluated by a doctor approved through the Social Security Administration.
2. Evaluate your eligibility by checking to see if you meet at least one additional requirement. To qualify for Medicare, you must be eligible to receive or are currently receiving Social Security benefits or railroad retirement benefits, or you or your spouse was employed by a Medicare-covered government employer.
3. Contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or your local California Social Security office to determine your eligibility if you are unsure whether you qualify. Find your local California office by visiting the Social Security Administration website.
4. Complete your application. Provide basic personal information such as your name. address, date of birth and Social Security number. Include information about your disability, if applicable.
5. Return the application to your local California Social Security office. Applications can also be submitted online.
6. Contact your local Medi-Cal county office if you would like to determine your Medi-Cal eligibility. If you qualify for Medi-Cal, you are automatically enrolled when you apply for Social Security Income (SSI). As of 2010, individuals cannot exceed $845 a month or $1,407.20 a month for couples, in most cases. If you are blind, earning limits are higher.
Tags: Social Security, your local, local California, Security Administration, Social Security Administration, your local California
