Medicare Brochure

Medicare

Contact Information
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850
1-(800) 633-4227 (phone)
How to Apply:
Select one of the links below to download the application or go to the program site for more information on how to apply. Once you fill out your application, send it to the address on the application. Do NOT send it to RxResource.
Eligibility:
Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment and you are 65 years old and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. You might also qualify for coverage if you are a younger person with a disability or with End-Stage Renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant).

Here are some simple guidelines. You can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if:

  • You are already receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
  • You are eligible to receive Social Security or Railroad benefits but have not yet filed for them.
  • You or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment.
If you are under 65, you can get Part A without having to pay premiums if:
  • You have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefit for 24 months.
  • You are a kidney dialysis or kidney transplant patient.
While you do not have to pay a premium for Part A if you meet one of those conditions, you must pay for Part B if you want it. The Part B monthly premium in 2005 is $78.20. It is deducted from your Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or Civil Service Retirement check. If you do not get any of the above payments, Medicare sends you a bill for your Part B premium every 3 months.

Note: You will be eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 even if you are not eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. For more information, please visit our retirement age FAQ.

If you have questions about your eligibility for Medicare Part A or Part B, or if you want to apply for Medicare, please call the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or visit or call your local Social Security office. The TTY-TDD number for the hearing and speech impaired is 1-800-325-0778. You can also get information about buying Part A as well as Part B if you do not qualify for premium-free Part A.