Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents who meet certain eligibility criteria. To qualify for Medicare, individuals typically must be:
Age 65 or older: Most individuals become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65, provided they or their spouse have paid into the Social Security system.
Disabled: People under 65 with certain disabilities may also qualify for Medicare, provided they have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for at least 24 months.
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Those with ESRD, such as kidney failure, may be eligible for Medicare, regardless of age, under specific circumstances.
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis): Individuals diagnosed with ALS are automatically eligible for Medicare, regardless of age.
Medicare consists of different parts (A, B, C, and D), each covering specific healthcare services, and individuals may choose to enroll in different parts based on their needs and circumstances. It’s important to verify current eligibility and enrollment information with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as program criteria may evolve over time.
