Medicare is a federal health insurance program first established on July 30, 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed it into law as part of the Social Security Act. The program was created to provide health insurance to individuals aged 65 and older, and it has since expanded to cover certain younger people with disabilities and specific medical conditions.
Eligibility is based on specific criteria, including work history, disability status, and certain medical conditions. It’s important to check the requirements and apply during the appropriate enrollment periods. Today eligible participants include:
1. People Aged 65 and Older: Most individuals become eligible when they turn 65.
2. Younger People with Disabilities: Individuals under 65 may qualify if they have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months or have certain conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
3. Individuals with Certain Health Conditions: Those with ESRD or ALS can qualify for Medicare immediately, regardless of age.
The Medicare program can seem complicated, here are the top three resources for accurate information, along with their websites:
https://www.medicare.gov The official U.S. government website for Medicare, providing comprehensive details about coverage, benefits, enrollment, and more.
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/ Social Security Administration provides information about applying for Medicare and related benefits.
https://www.shiptacenter.org/ State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Offers free, personalized assistance and counseling about Medicare in each state. You can find your state’s SHIP through this website.
