Medicare Enrollment Process Explained

As so many changes are made in Medicare it canNow that you know the basics of what is
be confusing and frustrating trying to determinerequired to be eligible for Medicare you need to
what the eligibility requirements are and whatknow how to apply for it as well. You may be
services they cover. There are a few basicautomatically enrolled in Medicare if you have not
guidelines that should be helpful in showing youyet reached 65 and are already receiving Railroad
how to apply for Medicare.Retirement benefits or Social Security. If the
In order to meet the eligibility requirements eitherevent that you have a disability you may
your spouse or you had to be employed for aautomatically be enrolled beginning on the 25th
minimum of ten years in some type ofmonth of being disabled.
employment that included Medicare coverage, youMost people should enroll themeselves three
must be 65 or older as well as a permanentmonths prior to their 65th birthday. By applying
resident or citizen of the US. There are somefor Medicare early you may be able to avoid
exceptions to the coverage criteria when ithaving a delay in starting your coverage. To get
comes to people with disabilities or with certainstarted applying, you should visit the local Social
diseases. While there is no income limits orSecurity administration office and make sure you
guidelines for Medicare itself there are somedata is in order or contact the Railroad
requirements of a medical nature concerningRetirement board if you or your spouse was
delivery of any services as a person must showemployed by the railroad industry. A quick note, if
that they have a legitimate need for those typesyou do not enroll for benefits during this 10 month
of services.period, you will have to wait until the first quarter
Medicare has two parts; Medicare Part A inof the next year.
considered hospital insurance and helps to pay forThe other piece to remember is that you will
care that is received in a hospital, home health,need to enroll in or apply for a Medicare Medigap
hospice or nursing facility. Medicare Part B isprogram if you need supplement coverage. This
considered medical insurance and it helps to paymeans if you want help paying the copay, you
for doctors, outpatient hospital care and otherneed a supplemental insurance package.
related medical services.