Medicare provides access to paid medical services.
For millions of Americans, Medicare is one of America's most effective safety nets. The program is designed to provide access to paid medical care for certain segments of the American population. Medicare is federally funded via the American taxpayer. Medicare eligibility depends on many factors. Such factors include citizenship status, age and prior medical conditions. Investigate carefully before applying to the Medicare program. Make sure you are eligible before you start completing extensive application forms.
Instructions
1. Confirm you meet age eligibility requirements. If you are over 65, you should qualify for access to Medicare provided you are an American citizen or legal immigrant. Applicants will be asked to prove their age, so get a copy of your birth certificate if you don't have one before you apply.
2. Get copies of medical records that indicate you have kidney treatment failure. People who are on dialysis or have undergone a kidney transplant qualify for Medicare. You will need to document this fact during the application process. You should have copies of statement from your doctors attesting to your kidney problems before you begin the application process. Many kidney specialists have staff members who can help guide you through the Medicare qualification process.
3. Obtain copies of documents that indicate you are an American citizen. Even if you meet other criteria such as illness or age, you will not qualify for Medicare if you are not an American citizen or legal immigrant. Documents that indicate American citizenship include passports and birth certificates.
4. Obtain a copy of your marriage certificate. If you have been married to someone who qualifies for Medicare, you may qualify for access as well. You are required to be married for at least five years before you can get access to benefits.
5. Obtain copies of Social Security disability payments. Applicants who have been receiving Social Security for two years are eligible for access to Medicare. You are supposed to be automatically enrolled after this time frame. If you aren't, you can contact your local Medicare office and apply for help.
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