Recent reforms by the federal government were meant to simplify Medicare, but to anyone who had bothered to read the 28 page manual, you know it's anything but simple.

How do I qualify? How do I apply? What if I missed the deadline? Will I have to pay a penalty? Do I even need Medicare?

These are just a few of the questions that many seniors have regarding the new changes made to Medicare. While we can't answer everything, we're going to do our best to give you some of the most up-to-date information.

Do You Qualify?

Generally, people who are over the age of 65 can get Medicare hospital insurance, or what is known as Part A, simply based on their own, or their spouse's employment. In addition, those people 65 and up are eligible for Part A if:

• You currently receive social security or railroad retirement benefits
• You don't currently receive social security or railroad retirement benefits, but you have worked long enough to be entitled to receive them
• Based on your spouse's (or ex-spouse's) work record you would be entitled to social security benefits provided that your spouse is at least 62
• You have worked in a federal, state or local government for a long enough period of time that you would be covered by Medicare

People who are under the age of 65 can get Medicare hospital insurance if:

• They are currently receiving social security disability benefits and have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's) disease, or have been receiving social security disability benefits for at least 24 months.
• They have worked in a federal, state or local government for a long enough period of time and currently meet the requirements of the social security disability program.

What About My Family?

There are certain conditions in which your spouse, divorced spouse, widow or widower, or dependent parent can receive Medicare hospital insurance when they reach the age of 65, based on your work record.

In addition, widows, widowers, disabled divorced widows and widowers under the age of 65 as well as dependent, disabled children can qualify for Medicare. These cases generally require a 24 month qualifying period before a determination can be made.

What if I Don't Qualify?

Don't panic. If you need Medicare, but don't qualify under the above conditions, you may be eligible to receive it by paying a monthly premium, which is currently $88.50. In order to get coverage, you'll have to enroll in Part B. Some people who are disabled and who lost their hospital insurance because of work can also get Medicare hospital insurance through paying a premium.

Generally, nearly everyone who is 65 and up or who is under 65 and currently qualifies for hospital insurance is eligible for Medicare medical insurance so long as they pay a monthly premium.

Should I Sign Up?

Even if you don't think you're going to need Medicare, you might want to enroll during the next sign up period (Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2006) to be safe and to avoid paying any penalties should you change your mind later.

If you're approaching the age of 65, the government recommends that you apply for benefits at least three months before you turn 65. If you're currently getting social security, then you will be automatically enrolled in Part A and B without having to apply. However, since you might have to pay a premium for Part B coverage, you will have the option of turning it down.

What if I missed the Prescription Drug Sign Up Date?

Although the next enrollment period is quickly approaching, there are ways to still sign up for the Medicare Prescription Drug Program without paying a penalty. You first have to find out if you qualify for "extra help" with Medicare prescription drug costs. People who have limited incomes and low financial resources are usually able to receive extra help. If you qualify under those conditions, then you are granted a special enrollment period between May 15 and December 31.