Who Qualifies For Free Medicare Part A?

Although there are many different types of health coverage across the US, Medicare is one of the most popular options. Medicare Part A is health insurance that the federal government offers both to US citizens and legal immigrants who have been residing permanently in the states for a continuous period of at least half a decade. Since medicare comes in various parts, part A, caters for inpatient hospital care costs while Medicare Part B provides for outpatient medical services. So, who qualifies for free Medicare Part A? Below are a list of the requirements to determine if you are eligible for the plan or not:

You are eligible for this Medicare plan if you have attained the age of 65 years or are under the age of 65 years, but suffer from specific disabilities. You are also eligible for this plan despite your age if you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/ Lou Gehrig’s disease, or are suffering from end-stage renal disease.

In general, here are the factors that make you eligible:

You are aged 65 years and above and are a US Citizen or have been residing in the US for at least five continuous years.
You have a disability and are receiving disability benefits
You suffer from end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
You have ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)

Similarly, you can receive Medicare Part A aged 65 years old devoid of paying the premiums if you:

Are already receiving your retirement benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board or Social Security
The government employed either your spouse or you in a Medicare-covered job.
Are eligible for receiving retirement benefits from Railroad or Social Security, but you are yet to file for either.
Are kidney transplant or kidney dialysis patient

For many of the beneficiaries who have worked for at least ten years or the approximate of 40 quarters and subsequently paid the necessary Medicare taxes during this period, they are not required to pay any premiums.

Paid Medicare Part A Insurance

If you are not eligible for the standard premium-free Part A Medicare policy, you can still enjoy its benefits by enrolling in Medicare Part A and subsequently paying a premium.

Note: If you are a beneficiary and have delayed in enrolling once you have attained the age of 65 years or are legally eligible for this Medicare Part A insurance, you may be subjected to a penalty for late enrollment as soon as you decide to sign up.

Prescription Drug Coverage

As from the beginning of 2006, every individual with Medicare notwithstanding their health status, income, or even usage of prescription drugs has been enjoying prescription drug coverage.

Next Steps

It’s important to know what type of health coverage and what it’ll actually cover you’ll be expecting to get once you turn a certain age. So, who qualifies for free Medicare Part A? Once you have reached the age of 65 and are a US citizen, you are then eligible for free Medicare Part A. If you also meet other certain criteria, you can also find yourself to be eligible prior to turning 65.

Who Qualifies For Free Medicare Part A? – What Does It Cover?