Qualification for Medicare is granted if:
- You are 65 and older.
- You’re a U.S. citizen or a legitimate resident who has lived in the country for no less than five years.
- You’re a recipient of Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, or have met the minimum work duration requirement to make you eligible, but are not yet receiving them.
- You or your partner work for the government.
- You are a retired person who has not paid into Social Security but has paid Medicare payroll taxes when working.
You become eligible for complete Medicare under the age of 65 if:
- You were entitled to Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months.
- You are receiving a disability pension from the Railroad Retirement Board and satisfy specific criteria.
- You have Lou Gehrig’s disease, which qualifies you immediately.
- You have End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure) and require regular dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Other ways to qualify for Medicare coverage
If you are a citizen of the United States or are a permanent legal resident for at least five years, you can get full Medicare benefits at 65 or older. You need to join them following these Medicare guidelines:
- For Part A, the longer you work, the more work credits you accrue. Work credits are earned according to your income class. In 2020, you receive one work credit for every $1,140 in income, up to a cap of four credits per annum. If you have amassed less than 30 work credits, you pay the maximum premium of $458, as of 2020. If you have 30 to 39 credits, you pay less, i.e., $252 a month. If you work until you amass 40 credits, you will not pay these premiums.
- For Part B in 2020, the premium is $144.60 for people with an income of $87,000 or less or those filing a joint tax return with $174,000 in revenue or less. Premium rates increase in direct proportion with income.
- You can enlist in Part B without purchasing Part A. But if you purchase Part A, you must join Part B.
- You can receive Part D if you enlisted in either Part A or B.
- You can’t apply for a Medicare Advantage plan or purchase a Medigap supplemental plan unless you have opted for both Part A and B.
