Anyone over the age of 65, under the age of 65 with specific disabilities or with permanent kidney failure, is eligible for medicare. For full eligibility you must be a United States citizen and have live here for, at least, 5 years. In the 1950s a need for a medical program for seniors became apparent. It wasn't until 1965 that Congress passed the laws that created Medicare. Individuals contribute to Medicare during the years they work, much like social security. It is a federal program therefore guidelines for eligibility and services in all states are the same.

There are two parts of Medicare:

Medicare Part A - This helps to pay for care if you are a patient in a hospital, nursing home or hospice and for care in your home under certain conditions. Many do not pay a month premium for this because it is paid for by taxes that you have paid while working.

Medicare Part B - Helps to pay for doctors services and outpatient care that is medically necessary. It also pays for preventative services such flu shots. In 2008, the standard monthly premium was $96.40.

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.

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. Signing up is simple but you need to be knowledgeable on the different plans and enrollment periods.