Standard Eligibility (Age 65 and Older)
- Age Requirement: 65 years or older.
- Citizenship/Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident for at least five (5) years.
- Work History: You or your spouse must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years.
- Automatic Enrollment: If you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B around your 65th birthday. If not, you must sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid late penalties.
Early Eligibility (Under Age 65)
You may qualify for Medicare before age 65 if you have a qualifying disability or medical condition.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Receiving SSDI for at least 24 months.
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Automatically enrolled the same month you start receiving Social Security benefits.
Additional Requirements
- Premium-Free Part A: Available if you or your spouse has sufficient work credits (usually 10 years). If not, you can purchase Part A by paying a monthly premium.
- Part B Enrollment: Optional, requires a monthly premium. Some higher-income individuals pay more.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D: Available through private plans that bundle coverage or provide prescription drug benefits.