COB Playbook

Three Ways to Become Eligible for Medicare

AGE

 65 years or older  A United States citizen

 An alien admitted for permanent residence of the United States  Part A is premium-free if patient or spouse worked for 10 years in Medicare-covered employment (must have been married for minimum of 10 years if applying under ex-spouse)  If a person is not eligible for Medicare, they can purchase Medicare and will have to pay higher monthly premiums for Part A and B

DISABILITY

 Entitled to and receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or Railroad Disability benefits for 24+ months plus a five month waiting period (total 29 months)  Been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also know as Lou Gehrig's disease, and receiving disability benefits for 1+ month

ESRD

 Diagnosed with End Stage Renal disease and begins a regular course of dialysis treatments

Entitlement begins on the first day of the month for everyone. For persons entitled due to Age, whose birthday is on the 1 st of the month, entitlement will begin the month PRIOR to their 65 th birthday. This is important when determining initial Medicare Entitlement reason and COB. Special Medicare Birthday Rule