If you receive regular kidney dialysis on a weekly basis, you qualify for Medicare benefits without the 24 month waiting period required for those who receive Social Security Disability benefits. You may even be eligible for Medicare coverage if you do not qualify for Social Security disability.

If you did not work and paid into Social Security and are not eligible on your own record, you can qualify for Medicare benefits off of your spouse’s record as long as they have paid into the system. If you are not eligible for Social Security Disability and qualify for Medicare, you will have to pay the monthly premiums for Medicare Part B. In 2006 this Part B premium is $88.50.

If you and your spouse does not meet the work requirements for Medicare, you can still enroll for coverage; however, you will be billed for both Part A and Part B premiums. The Medicare Part A premium for 2006 is $393 per month. Don’t let this premium amount scare you as there is a good chance your State will pay it for you if you meet their income requirements.

For more information about receiving Medicare benefits for individuals with End Stage Renal Disease, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. A Social Security representative can provide you contact information for your State’s Social Services department to see if you qualify to have premiums paid by the state if necessary.

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If you receive Social Security Disability benefits, you are eligible for Medicare coverage after 24 months of payment. The 24 month period begins from the date you first became entitled to Social Security Disability. If you are unsure of your entitlement date, it is found on the first award letter you received from Social Security. You can also call Social Security’s toll-free number and a representative can give you the date you became entitled and your Medicare effective dates.

When you become entitled to Medicare Social Security will start deducting premiums for your Medicare Parts B and D. In 2006 the premium amount for Medicare Part B is $88.50. Medicare Part D premiums vary by the plan you choose for prescription drug coverage.

If you receive Social Security Disability and SSI, or the amount you receive from Disability is low, your State may pay the Part B premiums for you. The State run program that does this is called “Qualified Medicare Beneficiary,” or QMB. To find out if you qualify for QMB, call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

If you receive SSI benefits only, you will not be eligible for Medicare A and B. People who receive SSI benefits are covered by their State’s Medicaid program. In some States you will have Medicare Part D for your prescriptions along with your Medicaid coverage. There are a number of States that are continuing to cover prescriptions through their Medicaid programs; if your state is one of these you will not be enrolled in Medicare Part D.

For more detailed information refer to the following article: Medicare for Dummies

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Related Articles at Medicare:

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• How Do I Sign Up For Medicare?