Are You Eligible?

Health insurance can be quite confusing. What exactly do you qualify for? Medicare is a health insurance program, generally for people age 65 or older who are receiving Social Security retirement benefits. You can also receive Medicare if you are under 65 and receive Social Security or Railroad Board disability benefits for 24 months, or if you are a kidney dialysis or kidney transplant patient. Medicaid is a federal program administered by each state, so eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. The program is administered by a state welfare agency, and it provides health insurance to people with low income and limited assets. To determine your eligibility, contact your state Office of Social Services listed in the blue pages of your phone book. For Medicare eligibility, contact Medicare Hotline, Health Care Financing Administration, 6325 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21207; 800-638-6833; {www.medicare.gov}.