Is Medicare Free?

Question

How does Medicare work? Do you get it automatically once you reach a certain age? Can you choose not to have it if you already have a private insurance? My father has all these questions.

Answer 1

You are eligible for it when you turn 65, recieve SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) for 24 consecutive months or have ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease-dyalysis). However, you must apply for, typically about 3-4 months before you turn 65 so that is it effective the month that you turn 65. If you have earned enough work credits, Part A is "free". Part A covers In-patient hospital care. Part B you pay for. It covers doctors and out patient services. For 2008, the part B premium is $96.40 per month.

If you will be or are still working and have insurance when you turn 65, you do not have to apply for medicare. But it can be used to cover some of your out of pocket expenses that group insurance doesn't cover. And, if you should have to quit working, you won't have to worry about having to apply when it might be a difficult time or God forbid, you forget and end up uninsured! Be aware that if you do not apply for part b when you are eligible and you do not have other insurance, you are penalized 10% for every 12 months that you do not apply but were eligible.

Here is the web page that can answer most of your questions.

http://www.medicare.gov/default.asp

The FAQS page is probably the most informational as far as answering general questions.

Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other specific questions. I'll be happy to try and answer them.

Answer 2

My smart *** answer to your question is......NO it's not free. I help pay for it every time I get a chunk taken out of my paycheck.

My real answer to your question is.....it's not free and you're required to sign up for it once you reach 65....evrything but drug coverage, that is.

Answer 3

You need to pay like a few hundred $ for medicare!

Please answer my question:

http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind...

Answer 4

www.Medicare.gov

Your Dad worked and paid into social security for part A all of his life.  

Part A covers 80% of your dad's hospitalization costs

Part B covers 80% of his doctors bills.  

Part B is optional.  The premium for most people is $94.60 per month (depending on income).  There is a penalty of 10% per year if he doesn't enroll with in a certain period of time.  

Have your Dad talk to his benefits coordinator to see if they will allow him to continue with his current coverage.  

The Medicare.gov website really is the best source.  Whether you like or not.  It's complex.

Answer 5

Google "Medicare" and go to the government website.