Plan Types

• As of September 2010, you could choose from four Medicare plan options. Medicare Part A includes hospital and short-term care services, and Medicare Part B covers preventative care and outpatient services. Medicare Part C offers the same coverage as Part A and Part B plus prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part D offers prescription drug benefit coverage only.
  
  

Eligibility Criteria

• Normally you will not qualify for Medicare benefits until you turn 65. You will only be eligible for the program if you were employed for at least 10 years by an employer that withdrew Medicare taxes from your paycheck. People younger than 65 may qualify for Medicare if they have received disability benefits for at least two years.
  
  

Premiums

• As of 2010, people enrolled in Medicare Part A paid a maximum premium amount of $461 per month. People enrolled in Medicare Part B paid a maximum premium amount of $110.50 per month.