MEDICARE
MEDICARE BACKGROUND
On January 1, 1983, the County of Los Angeles withdrew its employees from the Social Security system. If you did not earn enough Social Security credits before June 1, 1983, you may not be eligible to receive Social Security or Medicare benefits. However, if you were hired after March 31, 1986, you have paid taxes into the Medicare system as required by federal law. These payments may be sufficient to establish your Medicare eligibility even if you are not eligible for Social Security. For more information, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY
All employees hired after March 31, 1986 have been required by federal law to pay taxes into the Medicare system. These payments may be sufficient to establish Medicare eligibility.
MEDICARE PART A - Age 65 or Older
Medicare Part A is free to anyone age 65 or older who is either:
- Eligible to receive a monthly Social Security benefit, or
- Eligible based on wages on which sufficient Medicare payroll tax was paid
You automatically apply for Medicare Part A when you apply for Social Security benefits. Your spouse may also qualify for Part A coverage at age 65, based on your eligibility for Social Security. To be eligible for Part A, you do not have to enroll in Part B. If you are not eligible for free Part A coverage, you may purchase this coverage.
MEDICARE PART A - Under Age 65 and Disabled
Medicare Part A is free to anyone under age 65 who is disabled and has either:
- Received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months as a worker, surviving spouse, or adult child of a retired, disabled, or deceased worker; or
- Accumulated a sufficient number of Social Security credits to be insured for Medicare and meets the requirements of the Social Security disability program.
MEDICARE PART B - Automatic Enrollment
When you enroll in Medicare Part A, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B unless you decline it. This rule applies to everyone age 65 or older and to those under age 65 and disabled.
Part B coverage always requires payment of a monthly premium, which is ordinarily deducted from your Social Security benefit. If specific requirements are met, you may qualify for the County's Medicare Part B Premium Reimbursement Program (subject to an annual review by the Board of Supervisors). If you qualify, you may be reimbursed for the Medicare Part B Premium base rate only. For more information, visit the Medicare Part B eligibility page.
For details about Medicare eligibility and coverage, you may:
- Read Medicare & You, a booklet mailed to Medicare recipients every fall by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). You can also view it online.
- Visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov.
- Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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