Medicare

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federally funded program that covers hospitalization and related health services, skilled nursing homes, home health care, prescription drugs, and some physician services.

Who is eligible?

Medicare primarily serves people over the age of 65, but some people under 65 with developmental disabilities also qualify. You can have both Medicaid and Medicare benefits, or just one or the other. Visit www.medicare.gov and fill out the eligibility tool to see if you are eligible for Medicare services. If you receive Social Security disability benefits, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare two years after you begin receiving SS benefits.

How do I obtain services?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the Medicare program, and provides eligibility criteria information on benefits and services. Visit the SSA website at www.ssa.gov or call 800-772-1213. Contact a SSA office in Prince George’s County at 301-344-0185 (Seabrook) or 301-499-7578 (Camp Springs).

For answers to other Medicare questions, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Further information about Medicare and Medicaid is available on the web at http://cms.hhs.gov.