Yes, over 65 you are eligible whether you need it or not. In my mother's case, she was sent a letter by her main insurance telling her they were cutting back on her coverage (but not lowering her premiums- which they are charging her the rates for a family plan when she's the only one on it) because they expected her to get on Medicare when she hit 65. They said they would no longer cover her diabetic supplies, her CPAP stuff, and numerous other things. She didn't realize that she could fight it and tell them "No" that she wasn't getting Medicare. So now she's on it and has to pay even more out but has trouble finding places that accept Medicare.
Just heard from my unlucky friend that his 5-yr-old daughter was just expelled from school. She supposedly hit a boy with a chair-- no word on what or if the boy did (it's entirely possible all he did was speak to her or ignore her). She'd already been suspended twice and they just kicked her out this time. Mind you, her brother who goes to the same school did worse when he was her age. He was constantly having tantrums, swearing at teachers, screaming, kicking other kids, hitting other kids, biting other kids, and even choking other kids and they never once sent him home. They just called his grandfather to complain and/or sent a note home with him. My friend is mad because they never once even called him (despite having his #) to see about resolving the issues. They told him he has 10 days to cough up $300 to pay for some homeschool program. He's going to the school board on Tuesday to contest it.
I can understand the teacher not wanting to deal with the kid & she shouldn't be hitting other kids with chairs, but given they tolerated worse from her brother, it really isn't fair to her. I hope the kid can get some therapy to learn how to control her rage though.
Edit: Corrected Medicaid to Medicare