Health issues in old age are common. However, they can occur at any moment. It may be challenging to collect finances suddenly to meet the medical costs. Medicare health insurance in New York refers to a federal health program that covers your healthcare expenses.
Generally, Americans of 65 years and above qualify for Medicare along with younger individuals with ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease, and anyone who has received Social Security Disability benefits for more than 24 months. However, qualifying for Medicare plans is not always automatic. Read along to determine if you or your family is eligible for Medicare.
For 65 Years of Age and Older
You are eligible for full benefits of Medicare if you meet the following criteria:
· U.S. citizen: You have to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent legal residency and lived in America for a minimum of 5 years.
· Recipient of railroad retirement or Social Security benefits: You are eligible if you receive railroad retirement or Social Security benefits. Or you must at least be eligible to receive them if you are yet to collect them.
· Government employee: A government retiree or employee who did not pay for Social Security benefits but paid Medicare payroll tax is eligible. You may qualify even if your spouse is a retiree or employee from a government office.
Private companies offer plans such as the Mutual of Omaha Plan G in California to cover any additional costs from Medicare Part A and B. The same qualifications apply to these plans as well.
For Below 65 Years of Age
You can still be eligible for full benefits of Medicare if you are below 65 and meet the following criteria:
· Recipient of Social Security Disability benefits: You have to be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits for a minimum of 24 months. However, it is not mandatory to get the benefits for consecutive months.
· Disability Pension: You can also qualify for Medicare if you receive a disability pension from Railroad Retirement Board and pass other related conditions according to your plan.
· Lou Gehrig’s Disease: Lou Gehrig’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) qualifies you for Medicare.
· Kidney Failure: You may also qualify if you have kidney failure that requires kidney transplants or regular dialysis. However, you have to pay Social Security tax for a certain period according to your age. Or your spouse has to pay it.
If you wish to take Mutual of Omaha Plan G in Californiaor a Plan G from other companies, the same eligibility criteria apply for those below 65 years.
Medicare health insurance in New York allows you to access the medical care you need without worrying about the high prices. Make sure to check your eligibility and apply on time to receive your medical benefits.