Medicare Eligibility

For many, eligibility for Medicare begins at age 65. However, there are other ways you can be eligible for Medicare that doesn’t involve age.

Who is eligible for Medicare?

You are eligible for Medicare at age 65 if you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of at least five years.

If you are under 65, you are eligible if:

You received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months
You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

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Eligibility for Original Medicare

To be eligible for premium-free Part A, you must meet certain criteria:

You are 65 or older
You or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for ten years or more
You receive or are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits
You receive or are eligible for Railroad Retirement Board benefits

To be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare, you must:

Receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits
You are younger than 65 with a disability and receive disability benefits
You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Part B has the same eligibility requirements as Part A. However, Part B requires a monthly premium.

Eligibility for Medicare Advantage and Part D

To be eligible for Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and prescription drug coverage (Part D), you must be enrolled in Part A and B.

Is Medicare necessary?

You are not required to enroll in Medicare. However, if you do not have other health insurance, then delaying your Medicare enrollment can result in late enrollment penalties.

Reach out to a Senior Savings USA expert to discuss your Medicare options.