How to Apply for Medicare

To apply for Medicare you must be at least 65 or disabled. You can apply at your local Social Security Administration office.



Step1
Understand that Medicare is a health insurance program paid for by the federal government that is designed to ensure that elderly people have medical coverage.


Step2
Determine if you are eligible for Medicare. You must be 65 or older, or disabled or suffering from chronic kidney disease if under 65. You or your spouse must have worked at least 10 years in a job that had Medicare coverage.


Step3
Know that if you are 65 or older and qualify, there is no cost for Medicare Part A, if you are eligible for or receiving Social Security.


Step4
Realize that if you are under 65 and qualify because of a disability, there is no cost for Medicare Part A if you have been receiving Social Security for 24 months.


Step5
Consider your right to purchase expanded coverage under Part B for $45.50 a month (1999 figure), which is deducted from your Social Security check. You will receive information about this with your Medicare card.


Step6
Recognize that if you are under 65 and receiving Social Security, you will be automatically enrolled for Medicare and will receive a card three months before your 65th birthday. If you are not receiving Social Security, you must apply for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday, or wait for the next general enrollment period after your birthday.


Step7
Call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 for enrollment forms, or go to your local office.


Step8
Bring your birth certificate, driver's license, proof of other insurance if you have any, and your social security card when you apply.


Step9
Be prepared to provide names of doctors, hospitals and clinics if you are eligible due to disability.


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How to Apply for Medicaid

To apply for Medicaid you need to contact your local social services department and show proof of your financial need for this assistance.



Step1
Understand that Medicaid is a state-run program that provides medical insurance for low-income people. Each state has different eligibility requirements and different application procedures.


Step2
Know that if you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) from the Social Security Administration, you will probably qualify for Medicaid.


Step3
Recognize that there have been recent limits placed on this program at the federal level, so the benefits are not as wide as they used to be.


Step4
Contact your local state Department of Social Services or Human Services. Your state may have a different name for this agency. It is the agency that provides food stamps and financial assistance. Call your county building and ask for the name of it if you don't know it.


Step5
Ask for a Medicaid application. You will need to complete it in the office.


Step6
Take your birth certificate, driver's license, pay stubs, Social Security card, proof of address, proof of other insurance if you have it and information about any bank accounts you have.


Step7
Be prepared to answer questions about your finances. Eligibility is based on your income level.


Step8
Ask office personnel for assistance if you do not know how to complete the form.


Step9
Request assistance at home if you would like to apply but are unable to leave home.