What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older. It also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities. The program is divided into different parts, each offering various services.
Enrollment Periods
There are specific enrollment periods for Medicare. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins three months before the individual turns 65 and lasts for seven months. Additionally, there are General Enrollment Periods and Special Enrollment Periods for those who qualify.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Medicare, individuals must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and meet age or disability requirements. It is important to understand the criteria to ensure timely enrollment.
Understanding the Parts of Medicare
Medicare consists of several parts: Part A covers hospital insurance, Part B covers medical insurance, and Part D provides prescription drug coverage. Understanding these parts is essential for making informed healthcare decisions.