Medicare Eligibility
Medicare Eligibility
Wondering if you qualify for Medicare? Most people become eligible when they turn 65, but age isn’t the only factor. Medicare also covers individuals under 65 with certain disabilities or medical conditions.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare?
You may be eligible for Medicare if you meet any of the following:
- You are 65 or older and either a U.S. citizen or a legal resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least 5 consecutive years.
- You are under 65 but have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months.
- You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)—both qualify you for Medicare regardless of age.
How Enrollment Works
- Automatic Enrollment: If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits when you turn 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
- Manual Enrollment: If you’re not receiving benefits, you’ll need to sign up through Social Security during your Initial Enrollment Period.
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Your IEP is a 7-month window that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and ends 3 months after.
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Commonly Asked Questions About Medicare Eligibility
Do I have to be retired to get Medicare?
No. You can still be working and qualify for Medicare at age 65. In fact, many people enroll in Medicare while continuing to work.
Do I need to enroll if I have employer coverage?
It depends. You may delay Part B without penalty if you have creditable employer coverage. However, many still choose to enroll in Part A at 65 since it’s usually premium-free.
What if I’m not 65 but have a disability?
You may qualify for Medicare before age 65 if you’ve received Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months, or if you’ve been diagnosed with ALS or ESRD.