Medicare Eligibility

Medicare is the federal health insurance program that helps millions of Americans get the care they need. But who qualifies? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

The Basics of Medicare Eligibility

You may become eligible for Medicare a few different ways:

  1. Turning 65

Most people qualify for Medicare when they turn 65 years old. Even if you’re still working, you can enroll in Medicare once you reach this milestone.

  1. Disability (Under 65)

If you’re under 65 and have a qualifying disability, you can still get Medicare. Coverage usually begins after you’ve received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months in a row.

  1. Certain Health Conditions (Any Age)

Some health conditions make you eligible for Medicare right away, regardless of age:

  • End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Also called Lou Gehrig’s disease
  1. Citizenship & Residency Requirements

To get Medicare, you must be:

  • A U.S. citizen, or
  • A legal U.S. resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years in a row, including the 5 years right before applying

    What’s Next After Eligibility?

    Being eligible is just the first step. Once you qualify, you’ll need to decide how to get your Medicare coverage. You can:

    • Enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A & B), or

    • Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), which bundles Parts A and B and often includes drug coverage and extra benefits.