Everyone needs some kind of medical insurance. None of us knows when a medical emergency is going to strike. Most of us can get it from our employers, and those of us who work for companies such as small businesses that do not offer medical insurance either obtain medical insurance from our spouses or purchase an individual medical insurance policy. However, neither of these solutions is feasible for many seniors who, in their Golden Years, have retired from working.

It is just as important, if not more important, for seniors to have medical insurance. As we get older, we tend to have more medical problems. Without employment to either offer or help pay for medical insurance, what are seniors supposed to do? Some may be able to depend on their spouses or family members for financial help, but what happens when that money runs out? What happens if that money does not exist in the first place?

Luckily, there are a few federal and state-funded assistance programs that can help seniors get the medical insurance they need. One of the most popular assistance programs for senior is Medicare.

Medicare automatically provides medical insurance to any individual over the age of 65 who receives Social Security benefits; however, seniors do not have to currently receive Social Security benefits in order to obtain medical insurance from Medicare. All they have to do is apply for Medicare. Enrollment will not be automatic for these individuals, so its recommended that they apply as soon as they celebrate their sixty-fifth birthday, regardless of whether or not they plan to retire at age 65.

If you are a retired senior and can not afford to pay for medical expenses, much less an individual medical insurance policy, consider applying for Medicare. If you already receive Social Security benefits you will be automatically enrolled; if you do not; however, make sure to apply once you are age 65.