Who Qualifies for Medicare Health Insurance?

Medicare is a national health insurance program paid for through workers' payroll taxes and deducted premiums from individuals' Social Security checks. Applicants must meet specific requirements to be eligible for Medicare.

Benefits

• Medicare benefits include hospitalization coverage through Part A, and coverage for doctor's visits, medical services and supplies through Part B. A recipient can choose to have coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan, also known as Part C. Prescription coverage is through Part D.

Over Age 65

• At age 65, an individual who worked at least 10 years and paid Medicare taxes, and his spouse are eligible for Medicare Part A at no cost. He must qualify for or be receiving Social Security benefits or railroad benefits, or have worked at a government job. He must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. A worker who did not pay Medicare taxes is eligible for Part A coverage but must pay for it. A recipient can choose to purchase Part B or C coverage, too.

Under Age 65

• An individual under age 65 can receive benefits if he is disabled or receives a disability pension from the railroad retirement board. An individual with end stage renal disease is also eligible for benefits before age 65.

Cost

• Eligible applicants receive Part A coverage at no cost. As of 2010, the cost for Part B is $110.50 per month.