Age 65
Turning 65
Most people first qualify at 65 when they meet the applicable citizenship or residency requirements. You can apply for Medicare without starting Social Security retirement benefits.
Plan Your Enrollment
Medicare eligibility
Who is eligible for Medicare?
Most people first become eligible at 65. Some people qualify earlier because of a disability or certain medical conditions.
Start with the basics
Eligibility and cost are different questions
You may qualify because of your age, a disability, or certain medical conditions.
Social Security confirms your eligibility using the rules for your situation, including citizenship or lawful residency and, where applicable, a work or benefits record.
There is no income limit that disqualifies you from Medicare. Higher income can increase Part B and Part D premiums; limited income may qualify you for help with costs.
Common eligibility paths
Four common paths to Medicare
The qualifying rules and start dates differ, so check the path that applies to you.
Before 65
Disability benefits
Medicare generally starts automatically after 24 months of qualifying Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits. SSI by itself does not qualify you.
Read the Under-65 RulesNo 24-month wait
ALS
If you have ALS, Medicare starts automatically in the same month your Social Security disability benefits begin.
Review ALS EnrollmentKidney failure
End Stage Renal Disease
You may qualify at any age if permanent kidney failure requires regular dialysis or a transplant and the work or benefits requirements are met through you, a spouse, or, for a dependent child, a parent. Coverage usually starts in the fourth month of dialysis, with exceptions.
Review ESRD TimingUnderstand your costs
Will you pay a Part A premium?
Being eligible does not always mean Part A is premium-free.
Most people do not pay a Part A premium because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes for about 10 years, usually 40 quarters. Qualifying benefits or Medicare-covered government employment may also establish eligibility for premium-free Part A.
If you do not qualify for premium-free Part A, you may be able to buy it. Part B generally has a monthly premium, and premiums can change each year. Social Security can confirm what applies to your work and benefits record.
See Current Medicare CostsEligibility questions
What else should you know?
If you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits at least four months before turning 65, you generally get Parts A and B automatically. Your Medicare information usually arrives about three months before coverage begins. Otherwise, you will need to apply.
Read more at Medicare.govKnow you are eligible? Plan your next step.
Social Security handles your Parts A and B application. We help you understand the Medicare plan choices available afterward.
Call (877) 255-6273TTY: 711