Medicare contact info — San Francisco, CA

Medicare Part A, covering hospital stays, is typically premium-free for individuals who have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. However, Medicare Part B (doctor visits and outpatient care) and Part D (prescription drugs) usually have monthly premiums. These costs can vary based on your income, and higher earners in San Francisco pay more.

Medicare is the federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older. It also covers younger people with certain disabilities and those with End-Stage Renal Disease. It provides coverage for hospital services (Part A), medical services and supplies (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D), helping to manage healthcare costs.

Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care, eye exams for eyeglasses, hearing aids, cosmetic surgery, long-term custodial care, and some specific preventive services. For San Francisco residents, it's important to be aware of these gaps. You may need to secure supplemental insurance or plan for out-of-pocket expenses for these services.

To be eligible for Medicare, you generally must be 65 or older, a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least five years, and have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (or be married to someone who has). Eligibility can also be based on specific disabilities after receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months.

Your monthly Medicare costs depend on which parts you enroll in and your income. Part A is often premium-free. Part D plans have varying premiums based on the plan and your prescription needs. These are important factors for your budget.

Individuals with higher incomes pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) on top of this standard premium. This is determined by your tax returns from two years prior.