TSBA INSURANCE SERVICES
Medicare 101
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or end-stage renal disease. It helps cover the cost of hospital stays, doctor visits, preventive services, and prescription drugs—but it’s not free and doesn’t cover everything. Understanding how the different parts work together is the first step to making confident coverage decisions. You must be eligible for Medicare to qualify. See below for the basics
Age 65 or Older?
Under 65 with a Disability?
Serious Health Condition?
💡Medicare eligibility is generally available if you are age 65 or older, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and you or your spouse have earned 40 work credits by paying Medicare payroll taxes. People under 65 may also qualify if they have received Social Security Disability benefits for at least 24 months. In addition, individuals diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are eligible for Medicare regardless of age.
Applying for Medicare
Apply Online:
By Phone: ​
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)
In Person: Schedule an appointment at your local Social Security Office
🛑Enrolling in Medicare at the right time is important to avoid late enrollment penalties, gaps in coverage, or coordination issues with other insurance. Everyone’s situation is different. We highly recommend speaking with a licensed insurance agent before processing your Medicare application.