Medicare 101
Medicare Eligibility
Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Some people qualify before 65 through disability benefits (generally after 24 months of Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits; people with ALS generally qualify when disability benefits begin) or ESRD. ESRD eligibility requires permanent kidney failure requiring regular dialysis or a kidney transplant, plus qualifying work, Social Security/Railroad Retirement benefits, or a qualifying spouse or dependent-child relationship. Start dates and other rules vary; confirm your situation with Medicare or Social Security. You're eligible for premium-free Part A if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters).
Working past 65
Some people with employer group health coverage based on current employment may qualify for a Part B Special Enrollment Period, but employer size and coverage type matter. Confirm whether the employer plan is primary and your exact deadline with the benefits administrator and Social Security before delaying Part B.
Questions, answered
Do I have to take Medicare at 65?
Not always. Group health coverage based on your or your spouse's current employment may qualify you to delay Part B and use a Special Enrollment Period. Confirm payment order with your benefits administrator. Creditable drug coverage is a separate Part D rule; it does not by itself let you delay Part B.
How long is the Initial Enrollment Period?
Generally, it lasts 7 months: the 3 months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month, and the 3 months after. If your birthday is on the first of a month, the period starts 4 months before and ends 2 months after that month; Medicare coverage may also start a month earlier. Check your dates with Social Security or Medicare.
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