Qualification for Original Medicare is generally through three ways. You can become eligible by age, disability, or if you have illnesses such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or end-stage renal disease.
Age
As for the first option, many people enroll for Medicare after becoming eligible the month they turn 65. If you qualify for Medicare by age, the Initial Enrollment Period will start three months before your 65th birthday and end three months after. During this period, you can enroll in Original Medicare. However, if you miss this period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you could face late enrollment penalties.
It is possible to become eligible for Original Medicare even before 65 by having a disability.
Disability
Recipients under the age of 65 qualify for Medicare during the 25th month of receiving Social Security Disability benefits.
For people who qualify for Original Medicare because of a disability, their Initial Enrollment Period will start from the 22nd month of receiving Social Security Disability benefits, i.e., three months before they become eligible for Medicare coverage.
End-Stage Renal Disease
To qualify for Medicare Part A and Part B as a result of end-stage renal disease, the recipient must either need a kidney transplant or regular dialysis. In such situations, the Medicare coverage will start after the first dialysis. However, if the recipient receives a transplant and no longer needs dialysis, then they will lose their eligibility for Original Medicare.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Also, patients who have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis immediately gain eligibility for Medicare Part A and Part B once they get diagnosed with the disease. You can become eligible for Medicare even while under 65 if you receive a disability pension from the Railroad Retirement Board and meet certain requirements.
Other Requirements
Apart from these requirements, there are additional requirements for Medicare eligibility. First, the applicant must be a citizen of the United States or must be a legal resident for five years or more. The recipient must have a stable address or residence in the United States. Also, the enrollee must receive medical care under Medicare within the country and not abroad.
For more information about Original Medicare eligibility, contact Turning 65 Solutions today!