Medicare is a federal health insurance program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. There are a few minor variances across states, but the vast majority of Medicare is the same throughout the United States, so the coverage Alabama people receive will be comparable to Medicare coverage around the country.


Two Categories Of Individuals Are Eligible For Medicare.

Those 65 and older who are citizens of the United States or who have lived there lawfully for five consecutive years or more.

Those under 65 who have certain qualifying illnesses or disabilities.

Medicare Part A

Part A, often known as Medicare hospital insurance, normally covers inpatient hospital treatment, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and certain home health care services that qualify. Medically essential services and equipment (e.g., nursing services, a semi-private room, prescription medicines, etc.) that are part of a beneficiary's inpatient treatment are typically covered as well.

Hospice care is also covered if a beneficiary is diagnosed with a terminal illness and has less than six months to live. Included are physician/nursing services, hospice aide services, physical/occupational therapy, prescription medicines, and caregiver respite care.

Part A does not cover long-term care institution or nursing home benefits. Only facilities where support with personal care, such as eating and bathing, is not the only aid a beneficiary receives are covered.


Eligibility

At age 65, you are automatically enrolled in free Part A coverage if you have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years while working (40 quarters). If your spouse is eligible for premium-free Part A benefits, you may also be eligible for premium-free benefits.
You may also be eligible for free benefits if you or your spouse receive or are eligible to receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement. This benefit is accessible even if the spouse of the person requesting coverage is deceased or divorced. If you do not meet the work requirements, you can still enroll in Medicare Part A by paying a monthly fee.

If you are younger than 65, you may be eligible for Medicare Part A if:

You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or permanent kidney failure that requires either ongoing dialysis or a transplant.
You receive disability benefits due to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease).
You're a child or widow(er) age 50 or older of someone who worked in a government job long enough where Medicare taxes were paid, and you meet Social Security disability program requirements.
If you received disability benefits due to a After receiving either of these disability benefits for a total of 24 months, you are automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. These months need not be in succession.


Enrollment

In Alabama, when you turn 65, if you are already receiving payments from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you will usually be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. If you are under 65 and disabled, you are eligible for both Part A and Part B of Medicare after 24 months of receiving disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.

In either event, you should expect to get a Welcome to Medicare packet that contains your Medicare card and detailed information on the program. During the Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll in Medicare even if you don't match these criteria (IEP). The seven-month Individualized Education Plan (IEP) period begins three months before to the month you turn 65 and ends three months following the month you turn 65.

If you are eligible, you can enroll in Medicare Parts A and B during a Special Enrollment Period after your IEP ends. During the Medicare General Enrollment Period (January 1 through March 31 each year), you can also enroll, although doing so may result in higher rates and a delay in coverage.


Costs

Part A coverage is free if you qualify, with the exception of some deductibles for hospital stays. Provided you are not eligible for free Part A coverage, you can still enroll and pay a premium if you meet the following criteria:

You are 65 or older.
You have or are about to enroll in Medicare Part B coverage.
You meet citizenship and residency requirements.

The cost of your premiums will vary based on how long you have worked and how close you are to reaching the minimum of 40 Social Security credits.

If you enroll in and pay for Medicare Part A, you must also enroll in and pay a separate premium for Medicare Part B in most situations.


Upcoming Article: Understanding Medicare Part B, C, and D.




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