Though more than 46 million senior citizens and disabled individuals rely on Medicare's web of health benefits, there tends to be a great deal of confusion concerning how Medicare operates and state eligibility. One report, for example, points out that while the age to collect full Social Security benefits is increasing to 67, Medicare eligibility still begins at 65 years of age.

Here are a handful of other Medicare myths.

Medicare is similar to private health insurance.  Well, not really. Private insurance carriers can reject individuals' coverage (though that will be moot if the Affordable Care Act holds together over the next handful of years). Individuals won't have to pay higher premiums if they become ill. But those who earn a lot of money will pay a premium surcharge for Medicare Part B (doctors' visits and outpatient services) and Part D (prescription drug costs).

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