Because some people actually think that Medicare covers everything and is absolutely free, but it is not. Medicare has two parts: Part A, which covers hospital services, and this part is free for those people (or their spouses) who accumulated 40 credits and contributed to Social Security when they worked. With those contributions you were practically paying for this part of Medicaid. On the other hand, there is Part B, which covers all medical services and all people must pay a monthly premium; even those with higher incomes may be hit with a higher premium. Therefore, Medicare is not free.

When a person turns 65, they have a 7-month window to enroll: the month of their birthday, three (3) months before their birthday and three (3) months after their birthday. This is called the Initial Enrollment Period. Ideally, you should enroll early so that there is no delay and you are covered from the first day of your birthday month. If your birthday is the first of the month, your coverage begins on the first day of the previous month. For example, if your birthday is May 1, your Medicare will actually be effective April 1. There are several ways to enroll: 1) by calling 211 or 1-800-772-1213, which is the number for the Social Security office, 2) by making an appointment at the Social Security office, and 3) the fastest and easiest way to enroll is through the website at www.ssa.gov, which stands for the Social Security Administration.

One of the important things, if you (or your spouse) have already met the 40-credit part, which is at least ten years of paying taxes and are receiving Social Security benefits, Medicare will automatically enroll you three months before your birthday. In this case, you should do nothing. If you have met the credits, but are not receiving Social Security benefits, it is very important that you enroll manually, as mentioned above: by phone, by appointment, or online.

U.S. citizens and legal residents who have been in the country for at least five years.

Original Medicare, which is Part A and Part B, covers a total of 80% of medical and hospital services, leaving the individual with a gap of 20%, which has no limits.

Once you are enrolled in Medicare and receive your blue, white and red card and it says that you have Part B coverage, you may qualify for one of the Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans, as these plans will help you control and cover your costs.

There are people who lived and have their work history in Puerto Rico, but now they have been in the United States for a certain period of time. It is very important that they make the change of residence because when they send the enrollment to Medicare, they are not going to approve it because they do not have the change of residence. So, it is important to make the change of residence with Social Security in order to be able to apply for Medicare Advantage and Supplemental plans.