Questions:

• What is Medicare?
• Who is eligible for Medicare Part A coverage?
• How much of my bill will Medicare Part A pay?
• Who is eligible for Medicare Part B coverage?
• What kinds of costs does Medicare Part B cover?
• How much of my bill will Medicare Part B pay?
• Who is eligible for Medicare Part D coverage?
• How much does Medicare Part D cost?
• Can I get any of Medicare Part D's costs waived?

Answer:

Who is eligible for Medicare Part A coverage?

Anyone age 65 or over is eligible for Medicare. Most people age 65 and over are covered under Medicare Part A for free, based on their work records or on their spouse's work records.

People over 65 who are not eligible for free Medicare Part A coverage can enroll in it and pay a monthly fee for the same coverage. The premium base rate depends on the number of work credits you've earned. However, this rate increases by 10% for each year after your 65th birthday that you wait to enroll. If you enroll in paid Part A hospital insurance, you must also enroll in Part B medical insurance, for which you pay an additional monthly premium.