Do I Qualify For
Medicare?

This is the main question everyone who is shy of turning 65 ask themselves. This page is designed to help you grasp a better understanding of Medicare and all the questions and doubts that surround it, in addition to the steps you should take once you have received your Medicare Card!

IN ORDER TO GET MEDICARE. . .

*Medicare is a government national health insurance program in the United States, that is now administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. If you are retired and meet Medicare's criteria, you will receive your Medicare card through the mail 3 months before your turn 65.

Do I Need To Be A U.S Citizen?

No, you do not have to be a citizen you can be a resident and still be eligible to receive your Medicare. As long as you are legally in the United States and meet all the other criteria you are sure to get it!

Do I Need to Work in the U.S for 10 Years or more?

Yes! In order to obtain your Medicare card, you or your spouse should have worked for a minimum of 10 years in the United States. Even if you did not work for over 10 years but your spouse did, you might be eligible to get Medicare through them.

Can I Still Be Working?

Yes it is possible to obtain Medicare white still working. If you are denied full Social Security retirement benefits at age 65 or may not be eligible to receive those benefits, you can still get your full Medicare benefits at age 65, but you must contact Social Security to sign up.

Do I Have Enough Points?

In order to decide who qualifies for premium-free Medicare benefits. Medicare has a credit or point based system. If you have not received your Medicare card three months before your 65th birthdate, it might be a good idea to get in touch with the Social Security offices to know how many points you have accumulated and if you will be eligible.

What To Do After I Get My Card?

Read Carefully

Along with your Medicare card there is a packet that gives further details about what that card entails, what benefits you might be able to obtain and so forth. In addition it also states the importance of caring for your card. Store it in a safe place where you know you will find it and DO NOT GIVE IT TO JUST ANYONE!

Begin Process with Time in Advance

It is recommended to begin the process of Medicare 3 months before you turn 65, therefore by the time that you in fact turn 65 your Medicare will be ready and running smoothly.

Choosing a plan can be overwhelming and there can also be many people encouraging you to get a health plan that may not be the best for you.

*Here at Medicare Consultants, your health is our priority and we help you find a plan that works for you!

Once You Choose A Plan Get Familiar With It

Medicare has all kinds of health plans with a variety benefit to suit all needs. Once you have chosen a plan or have been helped by an insurance agent it is encouraged to get to know your plan. That way you guarantee you are using the benefits to the fullest when you turn 65

*It is very important that you like the agent that you choose to represent you because they will be the ones who you will look out for whenever you have questions about your insurance. You want someone reliable that you feel comfortable with.

WHAT IS ORIGINAL MEDICARE?

"Original Medicare" or the paper card you initially get when you qualify for Medicare and it is

-a fee-for-service health plan that has two parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).

After you pay a deductible, Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount, and you pay your share

In reality, you don't want just Original Medicare because

YOU WILL HAVE Out-Of-Pocket CHARGES AND COSTS!!

Should I Decline It?

What Happens If I Decline it?

Although it might be tempting to decline Medicare, specifically when you see that $170.00 cost. However, if you decline Medicare, there is a 10% penalty that is added up every year that you decline it.

In addition, you might be eligible for state programs that help pay for the part-b premium

So, in the end it might not even come out of your own pocket!

Do I Qualify For Medicare?