Medicare Part B is the most commonly used section of the Medicare program. It is designed to help U. S. Citizens who have reached retirement age receive the routine medical care that they need to stay active and healthy. This program should never be confused with Medicaid, which is for needy people of any age who cannot pay for their own health insurance.
While some people may also have coverage under Part A for hospital stays or extended care from a nursing facility or home service, this part is only for the routine care that falls short of an actual hospital stay. This includes doctor visits and routine tests, immunizations, and even outpatient hospital services or operations.
In order to be eligible for Medicare, you need to be an American citizen or a legal non citizen that has lived in the country for at least five consecutive years. The appropriate time to apply for this coverage is 3 months prior to turning 65. This rule remains in effect even though the legal retirement age is no longer 65.
In fact, there are penalties to not obtaining Medicare coverage under Medicare Part B at the time you are eligible. You will actually end up paying higher rates for your coverage if you apply later than your eligibility date. For each year that you are late to apply, you could have a penalty added to your rate.
Anyone can apply once they reach the 3 month period prior to turning age 65, but those who miss that window can apply any year between January 1 and March 31. This is the general enrollment period for anyone who believes they are eligible, but remember those penalties for missing your initial window of eligibility.
Medicare Part B coverage is not always completely free, though it will be for a lot of people. The rates paid may be higher for certain groups of people, including those with higher incomes. Medicare D and Advantage are both programs that will cost above and beyond your typical coverage as well.