Are you looking for a Medicare plan? There are two types of Medicare plans offered by the government, including plan A and plan B. Both of these Medicare plans are not just for anyone and they come with a set of eligibility criteria that you must fulfill before you apply for either one of them. Let’s discuss what both of these Medicare plans are and if you fit their eligibility criteria:
Medicare Plan A
Medicare part A is also known as Hospital insurance. It is for the most part free, but there are some people who end up paying a premium price.
People whose earnings are to be used should have specific QCs, quarters of coverage. If they do, they need to file an application for benefits from the Social Security and Railroad Retirement Board. The specific QC’s depend on different requirements such as age, ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease), and other disabilities. One can acquire these QCs by paying payroll taxes. If you pay the entirety of the FICA tax, you will get a high amount of QCs that you can use for monthly social security benefits and don’t have to pay a premium price for part A.
The eligibility criteria for part A, demands the applicants to be 65 years of age or older. They should also be enrolled in Part B. If you receive RRB and social security benefits, and have been receiving these for 4 months at least, you don’t have to enroll in either part. Such people who are also residents of the United States are automatically enrolled in part A and part B.
Medicare Plan B
Medicare Plan B is also known as medical insurance where the eligibility solely relies on whether the candidate is eligible for the premium free part A or if they are required to pay a premium for part A. If you are eligible for premium-free part A, you are eligible for part B. However, if you pay a premium for part A, you must also fulfill different criteria to qualify for Part B. For instance, the applicant must be at least 65 years of age and be a US resident.
For US residents who are already receiving Social Security and or RRB benefits for 4 months before applying for Part B, they are automatically enrolled. The people who are not receiving any Social Security or RRB benefits are not automatically enrolled. Moreover, if you have previously refused to part B enrollment and now want to enroll, you must wait for the re-enrollment periods. You will also have to pay a late enrollment penalty if your refuse to enroll in the first go.
Are You 65 Or Older?
If you are 65 years or older and receive Social Security or RRB benefits for 4 months before you enroll in part B. you don’t need to come up with a new application for part A. However, if you are not receiving any benefits you will not be automatically enrolled and need to fill out applications. You must fill out the application within the first 6 months of you turning 65. If you fail to do that, your Part A coverage will be retroactive for 6 months.
To get Medicare for part A, it is important that you already have part B. If you have any more questions, refer to Health Exchange Agency and they can answer your queries.
