Medicare

Medicare provides health insurance to people over age 65 and people with disabilities without regard to income. Medicare beneficiaries can receive services through Original Medicare or through a Medicare Advantage plan.

Who qualifies for Medicare?

You may qualify for Medicare if:

• You are over 65 or are certified disabled; or
• You have Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) or kidney failure (End-stage Renal Disease) and
• You are a U.S. citizen; or
• You are a lawful permanent residents (LPR/green card holders) who has lived continuously in the U.S. for five years; or  
• An immigrant from Cuba or Haiti; or from the Compact of Free Association (COFA) states
  
  Please note: Due to changes in federal law, all other immigrants with qualifying Social Security work history, including refugees, asylees, and survivors of abuse or trafficking, will lose Medicare eligibility. This change is effective immediately for individuals not yet enrolled in Medicare. Those who are already enrolled will be disenrolled within 18 months of the budget bill’s passage (by January 4, 2027).
  • CHA can help determine other insurance eligibility, or options for low-cost care. 

How much does Medicare cost?

Medicare has several parts, Part A, Part B, and Part D, and each part has different costs.

Medicare Part A is premium free for people who have paid into the social security system for 10 years or have 40 quarters of work history. If you have no work history or less than 40 working quarters, you may have to pay a monthly premium.

Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026, but those with a higher income may pay more.

For both part A and B, Medicare will pay 80% of the cost of covered medical services and you will be responsible for 20%.

Medicare Part D premiums and cost-sharing depend on the prescription drug plan you choose.

Medicare Part C is known as the Medicare Advantage Plans (MA). If you decide to enroll in a plan, you will receive both part A and B, (and sometimes D) covered services through your plan. The premium and cost-sharing varies from plan to plan.

What services will Medicare cover?

Medicare Part A (Hospital/inpatient benefits) covers:

• Inpatient hospital care
• Inpatient skilled nursing facility care
• Hospice care
• Lab tests
• Surgery
• Home health care

Medicare Part B (Doctors/Outpatient benefits) covers:

• Outpatient care
• Doctors’ services
• Preventive care
• Durable medical equipment

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs.

How do I enroll in Medicare?

You may apply for Medicare by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or by applying on-line at: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/. If you need assistance enrolling into Medicare or want more information, please contact CHA at 888-614-5400.