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).