| The Medicare program is available for all U. S. | | | | If you fail to apply for your Medicare part B |
| Citizens who have reached retirement age, as well | | | | coverage when you are eligible, you may face |
| as some legal residents who meet certain | | | | penalties that force you to pay more for |
| requirements. It ensures that everyone is able to | | | | coverage later on. For every year that you fail to |
| receive the routine medical care that they need | | | | apply, you will find a penalty added to your rate |
| to remain healthy. It is often confused with the | | | | when you eventually do apply for coverage. |
| free Medicaid program, even though they are | | | | It is important to remember to apply before age |
| entirely different. | | | | 65, even if you cannot retire at that age. If you |
| Part A of the Medicare plan covers hospital stays | | | | miss this window and want to apply later on, you |
| and other types of nursing care in the even | | | | can do so January 1 through March 31 of any |
| someone gets sick or injured, but Part B deals | | | | year. This is the general enrollment period where |
| entirely with outpatient services and routine care. | | | | anyone can apply, but remember those penalties |
| It can be used to see a doctor, have routine | | | | that will be added on for every year you miss |
| exams and tests performed, or even for | | | | your initial window. |
| outpatient hospital services. | | | | Not everyone will get coverage under Medicare |
| All American citizens can apply for this coverage, | | | | Part B coverage for free. There are some rules |
| as well as any non citizen who has entered the | | | | that govern the rates different people receive, |
| country legally at least 5 years prior to applying | | | | such as rules for those with higher incomes. |
| for coverage. Even though the retirement age is | | | | Medicare C and D come with additional premiums |
| no longer set at 65, you must still apply for your | | | | and benefits. |
| coverage 3 months prior to turning 65. | | | | |