Medicare offers older Americans many health benefits to offset the high cost of medical care. The following guidelines can help you determine if you qualify for what Medicare has to offer.
Individuals age 65 or over qualify for Medicare if:
- They are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents and
- They or their spouse are eligible for Social Security benefits, even if they’re not receiving them yet. (Applicants must have earned at least 40 credits for approximately 10 years of employment)
- They are government employees or retirees who have paid Medicare taxes during employment
- Applicants can qualify on their spouse’s employment record if their spouse is 62 and they are 65 or older. This includes a divorced spouse or one who is deceased. Individuals qualifying for Medicare through same sex marriages must live in a state that recognizes this status.
Individuals under 65 qualify for Medicare if:
- They have been receiving SS disability benefits for 2 years or receive disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board
- They have Lou Gehrig’s disease
- They suffer from kidney failure and have paid SS taxes for a specific time period.
For more information on Medicare eligibility as a health insurance option in California, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services located in Redlands, CA.
