Medicare is a government health insurance program administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 

If you meet one of the following criteria then you are likely to be eligible for Medicare benefits*:

  • Citizen of the United States 
  • If you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years
  • 65 years of age or older
  • Under 65, but have certain disabilities
  • End-Stage Renal Disease (kidney failure that requires a transplant or dialysis)

*If you are not a citizen of the United States, but have lived in US continuously for a five year period, you can contact the Social Security Administration office  at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your Medicare enrollment and eligibility.

Medicare has two main categories/plans to choose from:  the "Original Medicare Plan" and the "Medicare Advantage Plan". Under these plans there are four sub-categories:  Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.

Look for my next post to explain the 4 Medicare policies.