Medicare is a federal program that provides some disabled and older adults with medical insurance coverage. Typically, if you already receive Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare, though you will have to make some decisions about supplementary insurance and prescription drug coverage.
Medicare
Medicare is a government-sponsored health care program administered by the Social Security Administration. Individuals who paid into Social Security or the railroad retirement system for a specific length of time (usually 10 years) can receive Medicare coverage when they turn 65 or after they've received disability benefits for two years.
Medicare Before Retirement
You become eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, but to collect full Social Security retirement benefits, you must reach "full retirement age," which is between 65 and 67, depending on the year you were born. If your full retirement age is over 65, you should go ahead and apply for Medicare benefits a few months before you turn 65.
Disability
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are eligible for Medicare coverage after you've received your benefits for two years. The Social Security Administration will notify you a few months before you become eligible so you can make decisions about the type of Medicare coverage that you want to receive.
Applying for Benefits
If you don't already receive Social Security benefits, you'll hear from Medicare a few months before you become entitled to benefits. If you don't, contact the Social Security Administration to make sure that it has your current address. You'll be asked to make decisions about Medicare Part B insurance, which covers doctors' services, as well as Part D, prescription drug coverage. Otherwise, Medicare will cover you automatically for Part A hospitalization insurance as soon as you are eligible.
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