Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed for:
- People aged 65 and older: Most individuals become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65.
- Younger people with disabilities: Those who have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for at least 24 months are eligible for Medicare.
- People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Individuals with permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant are eligible for Medicare, regardless of age, provided they meet certain criteria.
- People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Individuals diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, are eligible for Medicare immediately upon receiving disability benefits from Social Security, without a waiting period.
Medicare is divided into different parts, including
- Part A: Hospital insurance.
- Part B: Medical insurance which covers services from doctors, labs and imaging.
- Part C: Medicare Advantage plans, which are an alternative to original Medicare.
- Part D: Prescription drug coverage.
Each part covers different services, they all have limitations and may require various costs, and eligibility criteria may vary accordingly.
For more information visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov and call Stephen Georges at 207-200-6363.
