Generally speaking, you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 years old. Initial enrollment begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after your birth month. Certain people may be eligible for Medicare before age 65.
Medicare is a health insurance program in the United States for people ages 65 years or over. Certain people may be eligible for Medicare before turning 65 years old.
This article takes a closer look at the age and eligibility requirements for Medicare.
| Eligibility requirements if you’re age 65 or older | Eligibility requirements before age 65 |
|---|---|
| You are a U.S. citizen. | You’ve been getting Social Security disability benefits for 24 months or longer. |
| You are a legal permanent resident of the United States and have lived in the United States for at least 5 years. | You receive retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). |
| You or your spouse have paid into Social Security for at least 10 years (or have accrued 40 work credits). | You’ve received a diagnosis of end stage renal disease (ESRD). |
| You paid Medicare tax if you or your spouse were an employee of the federal government. | You’ve received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). |
Most people in the United States are eligible for Original Medicare (parts A and B) when they turn 65 years old. You may be eligible for Medicare before you turn age 65 years if you meet certain criteria.
Eligibility requirements when you turn age 65
You are eligible for Medicare when you turn age 65 years if:
- You are a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident who has lived in the United States for at least 5 years.
- You or your spouse have paid into Social Security for at least 10 years (or have accrued 40 work credits), or you’ve paid Medicare tax while you or your spouse was an employee of the federal government.
Eligibility requirements before you turn age 65
You may be eligible for Medicare before you turn age 65 years if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You’ve been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months or longer.
- You receive retirement benefits from Social Security or the RRB.
- You’ve received a diagnosis of ESRD or ALS.
You don’t have to apply for Medicare if you’re already receiving benefits from Social Security or the RRB. You’ll automatically be signed up for Medicare parts A and B as you near your 65th birthday. Your Medicare card and enrollment information will be mailed to you 3 to 4 months before your birthday.
If you’re not automatically enrolled, you’ll need to apply for Medicare. To avoid late penalty fees, you’ll want to sign up for Medicare in the 7-month initial enrollment window. This period begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, continues during your birthday month, and ends 3 months after you turn 65.
Your Medicare coverage will begin depending on when you signed up, as detailed below:
| When you sign up | When coverage begins |
|---|---|
| 1 to 3 months before your 65th birthday | 1st day of your birthday month |
| the month you turn 65 | the following month |
| 3 months after your birthday | the following month |
This article provides detailed information on how to enroll in Medicare.
Is the Medicare eligibility age changing to 67?
No, the Medicare eligibility is not changing to 67.
Beginning in 2022, the standard age for receiving full Social Security benefits is age 67 years for anyone born after 1960. But you can still receive partial Social Security benefits as early as age 62 years.
The standard Medicare eligibility age of 65 years remains the same, although some people may be able to receive Medicare at an earlier age. This includes people who:
- have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months or longer
- receive retirement benefits from Social Security or the RRB
- have received a diagnosis of ESRD or ALS
Is everyone eligible for Medicare?
Most people in the United States are eligible for Original Medicare (parts A and B) when they turn 65 years old.
To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident who has lived in the United States for at least 5 years. In addition, you and your spouse (if you are married) must have paid into Social Security for at least 10 years or paid Medicare tax if you or your spouse worked as an employee of the federal government.
Certain people may also be eligible for Medicare before they turn 65 years old.
Qualifications include getting Social Security disability benefits for 24 months or longer, receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the RRB, or having received a diagnosis of ESRD or ALS.
Who can I call with questions about Medicare enrollment?
If you have any questions about Medicare enrollment or eligibility, you can talk or have a live chat with a real person, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week (except on federal holidays):
- Phone: 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).
- TTY users: 800-486-2048
- Live chat: on the Medicare website
Most U.S. citizens, or legal permanent residents who have lived in the United States for at least 5 years, are eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old.
Enrollment in Medicare begins 3 months before your birthday month and ends 3 months after your birthday month.
Some people may also be eligible for Medicare before they turn 65 years old. This includes people who receive retirement benefits from Social Security or the RRB, people who have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months or longer, and people who’ve received a diagnosis of ESRD or ALS.
