Enrolling in Original Medicare may be confusing for some people. While some people are automatically enrolled, many must follow a few steps.
If you’re a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. who is 65 years or older, you’re most likely eligible to sign up. You may also be eligible if you’re under 65 if you have a certain disability or End Stage Renal Disease. Read on for a complete list of Medicare requirements.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older and younger people with certain disabilities or End Stage Renal Disease.
Original Medicare is divided into two parts: Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Medicare Part A covers:
- Hospital care
- Skilled nursing family care
- Hospice care
- Limited home health services
Medicare Part B covers:
- Services and supplies needed to diagnose or treat an illness or condition that meet accepted standards of medical practice
- Services to prevent or detect an illness or a condition at an early stage
Medicare Advantage plans
An alternative to Original Medicare is Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage is a program that allows you to receive your Part A and Part B benefits from a private insurer.
Many Medicare Advantage plan options include services not available in Medicare Part A or Part B, which can include vision, dental and prescription drug coverage.
How to enroll
Enrolling in Medicare is simple. You can do it in one of four ways:
- Apply on the Social Security website
- Visit your local Social Security office
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
- If you worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772
- Complete an Application l Enrollment in Part B (CMS-40B)
For any further questions you have about Medicare Advantage requirements, speak with a licensed agent at TTY Users: 711.
