Is it possible that some here are confusing Medicare with Medicaid and with Social Security Disability?

I'm certainly not rich but I have Medicare insurance, along with a supplemental insurance policy. Medicare, as Sorcha said, is not income based and one is eligible for it the month you are going to turn 65 years old. As Sorcha said, Medicare pays up to 80% of the covered conditions, after a $250 annual fee. My supplemental insurance covers almost everything else.

Medicaid is income based- and I believe that medical care under it, including prescription services, is completely free.

Social Security Disability is different. They don't usually pay until one has been diagnosed with an ailment/illness for six months. If one can stay alive that long, they will start paying an income monthly, including a retroactive one-time payment for the time that has passed from your first application. Under SSD, medical care, including prescription services, is also free.

As Sorcha said, a doctor is not compelled to accept Medicare patients with their limited coverage. However, I have not found that to be a problem. So far, every single time I have needed medical care, including surgery, the doctors have not hesitated.

And if they did turn me down, it doesn't mean that I would have to pay 100% of the treatment- one looks for another doctor...

Ebbie