Your Medicare Eligibility

You Could Be Eligible for More Medicare Benefits

Medicare is a complicated topic. It's hard to know if you are eligible for Medicare coverage and what that coverage really pays for. We'll help you understand what Medicare covers and who is eligible for it so you can worry less about your health coverage.

Who qualifies for Medicare?

Medicare is our country's health insurance program for those 65 years and older. But you may not have to be 65 to qualify.

In general, Medicare is available for:

• People 65 and older

• People under 65 but who have disabilities

• People with permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant

Even if you are younger than 65, you may still be eligible for Medicare. You are eligible for Medicare benefits if you:

• Have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months (doesn't have to be consecutive time)

• Receive a disability pension from the Railroad Retirement Board and meet certain conditions

• Have Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS)

• Have permanent kidney failure that requires regular dialysis or a kidney transplant, and you or your spouse has paid Social Security SS taxes for a specified period

There are different types of Medicare you can be eligible for – Parts A, B, C and D. Depending on your age, health, employment status and the length of time you've paid taxes, you may be eligible for different types of Medicare.

What does Medicare cover?

Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility or home healthcare. With most people not paying premiums while using Part A, it's important to know if you qualify for premium-free before signing up. Even if you don't qualify for the premium-free Part A, you can still pay to use it.

Part B covers certain doctor's services, outpatient services, medical supplies and preventative screenings. Everyone who uses Part B pays a monthly premium. Parts A and B don't cover everything, including long-term care, most dental care, eye exams related to prescribing glasses, dentures, cosmetic surgery, acupuncture, hearing aids and routine foot care.

Part C and D together cover the same things that Parts A and B do with some additional benefits like dental coverage and vision care. They also provide extra prescription drug coverage for those who have reached their limit on what they could receive from Part D's Prescription Drug Coverage (PDP) alone.

If you are unsure about your Medicare eligibility and what that means for your healthcare costs, contact the office or visit the Medicare website. Through the website, you'll get access to resources to help determine what coverage you qualify for and how you can start putting it to good use.

^{This material was developed and prepared by a third party for use by your Registered Representative. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information.}