If you are over the age of 65, under 65 but have a specific disability or permanent kidney failure and have been a legal us citizen for at least 5 years, then you are eligible for medicare. Medicare has come as a product of a law passed by Congress in 1965. Since it is a federal program you are required to contribute to medicare through your paychecks during your working years, you will also discover that the guidelines for eligible are similar from state to state.

There are two parts of Medicare:

Medicare Part A – If you are a patient in a hospital, nursing home or hospice this is the part that helps cover the cost. It also covers care in your home under certain conditions. Because this was paid through taxes, that you paid while working, many do not need to contribute this part.

Medicare Part B – had a standard monthly premium of $96.40 in 2008. This part helps pay for doctors services and outpatient care. It also pays for flu shots and other preventative services.

For the first seven months after your 65th birthday, there is a period where enrolling in Medicare is free. After this enrollment period, it may cost to enroll. Those covered by Medicare are called beneficiaries. Medicare will pay for most of their health care, but not all. That means it will cover most serious medical conditions, those in which the patient will usually recover from. Medicare does not cover the cost of care given to a patient at home, in a nursing facility, for those with recurring disability or longtime illness.

Medicare does provide Advantage Plans where the plan can be customized to fit medical needs. This is not available in all areas. Some of these plans offer prescription programs and there are some private insurance companies who cover some of these programs. Details of the Advantage Plan depend on the certain program chosen and the eligibility of the patient.

Signing up for Medicare is very simple, but there are different plans and enrollment periods. If you are receiving Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you will be enrolled in Part A and Part B automatically the month you turn 65. You will receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your birthday.

Whether you searching for individual health insurance or medical insurance check out www.gohealthinsurance.com. They have all the information you need to choose an insurance plan that it right for you.