by KYW's Salil Gutt

Most of us think Medicare is a health insurance program for seniors aged 65 and older. Few know that Medicare also covers disabled individuals. Here's a primer on those rules.

First you have to be eligible for social security disability benefits which are paid monthly. This is a very stringent test only covering those who are totally disabled and are not able to do any sort of work.

After getting disability benefits for two years, you are then automatically enrolled in Medicare. There are exceptions which permit Medicare to start right away.

Medicare has two parts -hospital insurance and medical insurance. Hospital insurance is premium free but you pay a monthly premium of about $100 for the medical insurance which covers doctors bills and other services.  If one's health condition improves Medicare stops within two months. Also, if one goes back to work, even part-time, Medicare will continue for an additional 96 months. 

Regardless of all of these rules, one is always eligible for Medicare at age 65 regardless of medical condition.