Medicare simplified.

To enroll in Medicare, you typically need the following documents:

Proof of Age and Citizenship/Residency:

• Birth certificate or other proof of age.
• U.S. passport or green card for citizenship.
• Valid driver’s license or utility bills for residency.

Social Security Information: Social Security card or proof of application.

Employer Information: Information about your current or previous employer, including contact details and dates of employment.

Information on Other Health Insurance: If you have other health insurance, you’ll need details about the policy.

Bank Account Information (if you’re signing up for automatic withdrawals for premium payments).

Tax Records: Information about your tax returns or tax-related documents.

Information about Dependents: If you’re enrolling dependents, you’ll need their personal information.

Learn more in our comprehensive guide.

 Yes! If you meet certain criteria, you can qualify for Medicare even if you haven’t worked. These special circumstances include:

Spousal Coverage: If your spouse is eligible for social security, disability, or retirement benefits, or if you were married for over 10 years and your former spouse is eligible. If your spouse has passed away and you haven’t remarried, you may also be eligible.

Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like permanent kidney failure or ALS, qualify you for Medicare Part A. Contact a Medicare specialist or visit the US Department of Health and Human Services Medicare benefits page for more information on disability eligibility.

Paid Premium: If you’re not eligible for free Medicare Part A, you can pay a monthly premium for the same benefits. To apply, you must be at least 65 years old and a U.S. citizen for at least five years. The monthly cost for Part A may be up to $470, potentially lower if you worked for less than ten years.

Medicare and Medicaid are government healthcare programs in the U.S.

Medicare mainly serves individuals aged 65 and older, as well as some with disabilities or specific medical conditions. It’s funded by the federal government and provides coverage through different parts, including hospital and medical insurance.

On the other hand, Medicaid is designed for low-income individuals, pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities. It’s jointly funded by federal and state governments, with benefits and eligibility criteria varying by state. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid covers a broader range of services, including long-term care and mental health services, and is administered by individual states under federal guidelines. Read on to learn more.

Coinsurance refers to the percentage you pay for certain health care expenses during the year. After you reach the amount of your deductible, coinsurance will then take over.

Copay refers to flat fees you’ll pay for medical services or products. Copays are usually applied to certain prescription drugs, doctor visits, urgent care, and other services. Click here to learn more.

Yes, there are Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) that offer opportunities for you to make changes to your Medicare plan, particularly if you experience special circumstances or a major life event. A few common examples are:

• Move or change your residence
• Getting divorced or legally separated and losing health insurance
• Losing employer or union health coverage within the past 60 days
• Losing drug coverage through no fault of your own
• Becoming eligible for Medicare due to a disability
• Having your household income drop below a specified amount
• Moving into or out of an institution, including skilled nursing facilities, long-term care hospitals, or prison/incarceration

For a complete list of life events that qualify for a special enrollment period, go to medicare.gov.

To learn more about Medicare enrollment periods, read our comprehensive guide.