About 654 Medicare
Understanding Medicare Eligibility: A
Simple Guide from 654 Medicare
At 654 Medicare, our mission is to bring you peace of mind by helping you understand every part of Medicare—starting with eligibility. If you’re new to Medicare or helping a loved one, knowing when and how you're eligible can save time, money, and stress.
Let’s break it d
Understanding Medicare Eligibility: A
Simple Guide from 654 Medicare
At 654 Medicare, our mission is to bring you peace of mind by helping you understand every part of Medicare—starting with eligibility. If you’re new to Medicare or helping a loved one, knowing when and how you're eligible can save time, money, and stress.
Let’s break it down step by step.
👤 Who Is Eligible for Medicare?
Most people qualify for Medicare when they turn 65, but some people qualify earlier due to specific health conditions or disabilities.
✅ You’re eligible for Medicare at 65 if:
- You’re a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident for at least 5 years.
- You (or your spouse) have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
🎉 Good news: If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Parts A and B when you turn 65.
🧾 You May Be Eligible Before 65 If:
Some people qualify earlier due to health conditions, including:
- You’ve been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months.
- You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
- You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)—in this case, Medicare starts the month your disability benefits begin.
🧩 Understanding the Different Parts of Medicare
Now that we’ve covered who is eligible, let’s talk about what you get.
🏥 Part A: Hospital Insurance
Covers:
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice care
- Some home health care
✅ Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A if they (or a spouse) worked and paid Medicare taxes.
🩺 Part B: Medical Insurance
Covers:
- Doctor visits
- Outpatient care
- Preventive services (like screenings and vaccines)
- Durable medical equipment (DME)
💵 There is a monthly premium for Part B—based on your income—and late enrollment can lead to penalties.
💊 Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
Covers:
- Prescription medications
- Certain vaccines
Part D is optional but recommended, and it’s available through private insurers approved by Medicare. It has its own premiums, deductibles, and copays.
💡 What About Part C (Medicare Advantage)?
Also called Medicare Advantage, this is an all-in-one plan that includes:
- Everything in Part A and Part B
- Most include Part D
- Extras like dental, vision, hearing, wellness programs
Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
🗓️ When Can You Enroll?
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begins 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): Available if you lose employer coverage, move, or experience certain life events.
- General Enrollment Period (GEP): January 1 – March 31 every year (for those who missed their IEP).
💬 Final Thoughts from 654 Medicare
Understanding Medicare eligibility is the first step toward peace of mind in your health journey. Whether you’re turning 65, helping a parent, or dealing with a disability, you don’t have to do it alone.
🧭 Need guidance? The team at 654 Medicare is here to walk you through the process—from eligibility to enrollment and beyond.
About 654 Medicare
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At 654 Medicare, our mission is to help individuals and families find affordable and comprehensive health insurance coverage that meets their unique needs. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and support throughout the entire process.
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Why Choose 654 Medicare
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We offer a range of health insurance services, including individual and family plans, group plans for small and large businesses, and Medicare supplemental plans. Our experienced team can help you navigate the complex world of health insurance and find the right coverage for you.
Why Choose 654 Medicare
Why Choose 654 Medicare
Why Choose 654 Medicare
At 654 Medicare, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. That's why we work with top insurance carriers to offer a wide range of affordable and flexible plans. We also provide personalized support and guidance throughout the entire process, from selecting a plan to filing a claim.