How do I check if I’m eligible to enroll in Medicare?

People talk a lot about how “complicated” Medicare can be. Well, here’s some good news. Determining your eligibility is simple.

Medicare is available to people who are:

• Age 65 or older
• Younger than 65 with a qualifying disability
• Diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant

If you get disability benefits from Social Security, you automatically qualify for Medicare Part A and Part B.

If you’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, you won’t pay a premium for Part A (hospital coverage). If you (or your spouse) did not pay Medicare taxes while you worked, you may be able to buy Medicare Part A. In 2023, to buy Part A you’ll pay a monthly premium of up to $506 each month.

Everyone enrolled in Part B (medical coverage) must pay a monthly premium. In 2023, the standard Part B premium is $164.90 (or higher depending on your income).

You can first enroll in Medicare 3 months before the month of your 65th birthday and up to 3 months after your 65th birthday. (Note: If you don’t sign up during this initial enrollment period, you may face a late enrollment penalty.)

Visit Medicare.gov to verify your eligibility.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you use TTY, call 1-877-486-2048.

Before you call, be sure to have the following information ready:

• Your date of birth
• Number of years you worked and paid Medicare taxes
• U.S. state or territory of residence
• Current health benefits through an employer (if you have them)
• Medicare Part A current enrollment status
• Disability status

Simple, right?

If you recently became eligible for Medicare and you’re ready to explore your options, you may be able to enroll in a Humana Medicare plan right here on our website.