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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 8

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 10 Chapter 8 Resource Development

8.6.2 MEDICARE Medicare is a health insurance program that is available to individuals who meet the following criteria. The individual: • Is a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted non-citizen who has resided in this country for five consecutive years; and • Is age 65 or over; or • Has received RSDI benefits based on a disability for 24 consecutive months, regardless of age; or • Has received Railroad Disability Benefits based on total and permanent disability for 24 consecutive months. Railroad Disability Benefits based on occupational disability do not qualify the individual for Medicare; or • Has End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Medicare, managed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), consists of three parts as follows. 8.6.2.A Medicare Part A – Hospitalization Insurance Benefits To qualify for "premium free" Medicare Part A, the individual must meet a work coverage requirement or must be the surviving spouse of the individual. If the individual does not qualify for Medicare Part A because of lack of work coverage, he may purchase the coverage by payment of a monthly premium. 8.6.2.B Medicare Part B – Supplementary Medical Insurance There is no work coverage requirement for Part B. Any citizen or legally admitted noncitizen who has resided in this country for five years and who is age 65 or over is eligible even though he may not be eligible for Part A. Individuals enrolled in Part B pay a monthly premium. If the person is receiving RSDI or Railroad Retirement Benefits, the premium is deducted from his benefit. Otherwise, he must pay