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Usually, Medicare covers those who are 65 years and above. You can also enroll for this health insurance if you have a disability or a medical condition.
But there’s a little more to the story than that. We dig in to the details below. Plus share a tip to help you avoid paying penalties on your Medicare Premiums.
What Is The Age of Medicare Enrollment?
Currently, the enrollment age for Medicare insurance plans is 65. At the age of 65, any citizen of the United States of America is eligible to apply for Medicare.
However, as previously mentioned, you may also qualify for Medicare assistance if you have a disability or medical condition. This includes disabled children, disabled widower, disabled surviving divorced spouse, those who are suffering from end stage renal disease or ESRD, and those who are suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS.
Additional medical conditions can also include liver disease, chronic heart failure, sickle cell disease, multiple sclerosis, and more. However, in order to qualify for Medicare assistance under 65 years of age, a doctor needs to determine if you have a disability and are not fit to work.
How Can You Enroll In Medicare?
For those who are 65 years and above, enrolling in Medicare can be simple. If you are receiving Social Security payments, then your Medicare enrollment may be automatic.
You should receive a packet welcoming you to Medicare around three months before your 65th birthday. This packet will include several documents including instructions on how you can sign up.
If you do not receive this package, there are other ways to sign up for Medicare. You should also do these around three months before your 65th birthday. Applying for Medicare should be done as early as possible. This will give the Social Security Administration office ample time to process the paperwork in time for your 65th birthday.
Here are some more ways to apply for Medicare:
- Visit the Social Security Administration website at www.socialsecurity.gov
- Call the Social Security Administration hotline at 1-800-772-1213 or,
- Visit your local Social Security office.
Why Should You Apply 3 Months Before Your 65th Birthday?
As we have said, applying as early as possible gives the Social Security Administration ample time to process the paperwork. In addition to that, applying late for Medicare may come with an additional 10% on your premium. There are also penalties to applying late.
So if you, or someone you know is eligible to apply for Medicare, it’s better to apply now to avoid penalties on your premium.
