Medicare is primary insurance for millions
Since Medicare is a Federal insurance program, the eligibility requirements to enroll are the same for all states, including Arizona. Medicare is divided into Part A (hospitalization), Part B (doctor's office visits), and Part D (prescription coverage). As the nation's largest insurer, Medicare provides health insurance for about 40 million Americans. Eligibility standards are set by the government and administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Hospitalization
Medicare Part A is hospitalization insurance and also where the eligibility determinations kick in. The general rule is that you are eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse worked at least 10 years in a Medicare-covered position and you are at least 65 years old. You must also be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. As with almost all things, there are a few exceptions to this rule. You may also be eligible for Medicare coverage if you are collecting Social Security disability benefits or have end stage renal disease, which is a technical term describing kidney failure that requires dialysis or transplant. If you draw retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you can qualify for Medicare Part A. You might also be determined eligible if you have applied for either of these two retirement programs.
Doctors' Visits
While you don't pay a premium for Medicare Part A if you meet any of the above conditions, the same is not true for Part B. The premium, as of 2010, is $96.40 for those with incomes less than $85,000 and $110.50 for those who make more. Once deemed eligible for Part A benefits, you have the option to choose Part B coverage but aren't required to. If you choose to enroll in Part B, the premium is deducted from your Social Security, railroad, or civil service retirement check.
Prescriptions
Medicare Part D is the prescription drug benefit part of the overall Medicare program. Eligibility for Part D is easily determined. If you're eligible for Part A, then you are eligible for Part D. The prescription benefit program is run differently. Medicare provides you with a list of approved Medicare Part D plans which are run by private companies. Based on your medical needs, you compare and choose the one that seems to be a good fit. Part D requires that you pay a premium to the provider but it is normally a modest amount.
Tags: Medicare Part, eligible Part, Part prescription, Social Security, benefits have, determined eligible, eligible Medicare
