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Medicare Eligibility

http://www.medicare.gov/MedicareEligibility/home.asp?version=default&browser=Firefox%7C2%7CWindows+Vista&language=English

Variables: 1) length of her work history in US, 2) work history of spouse, including deceased or divorced, 3) income or assets qualifying for state Medicaid to pay Medicare premiums if work history or spouse 's

Thanks for your post.

First off, because your mother-in-law is over age 65 and a citizen of this country, she should qualify for Medicare.

However, how much she'll have to pay for her Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) coverage is tied to her (or her spouse's) work history where she paid into the Social Security system. In order to get Part A without having to pay a premium, she (or her spouse) need to have worked and paid into Social Security for 40 quarters, or 10 years. If not, then she'll have to pay a monthly premium for that coverage, and the premiums are not cheap. If she (or her spouse) worked and paid into Social Security for 30-39 quarters (7.5 years or more), then in 2009 she'll pay $244/month for Part A coverage -- plus the regular deductibles and co-payments for any services she uses. If she (or her spouse) worked and paid into Social Security for fewer than 30 quarters (less than 7.5 years), then in 2009 she'll pay $443/month for Part A coverage -- again, plus the regular deductibles and co-payments for any services she uses.

Everyone pays a monthly premium for Part B coverage (for doctor visits and other outpatient services) -- in 2009 , it's $96.40/month for most people (more if her income is over $85,000 if she's single or $170,000 if she's married). There is also an annual Part B deductible of $135.

In order to sign up for Medicare, your mother-in-law will need to contact Social Security, which handles Medicare enrollment. She can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit her local Social Security office.

Hope this is helpful --

Marisa

In terms of Part B coverage for doctor's visits and other outpatient services, etc.,