The most common Medicare qualifier is age. When you turn 65, you become eligible and can enroll.
You must meet a few basic requirements to receive the full Medicare benefits at age 65. You must:
When you turn 65, as long as you meet these qualifications, you’re eligible. And, if you have already been retired for at least 4 months, you’ll be automatically enrolled. Otherwise, or if you want to enroll in an optional, additional plan, you have the 7 months surrounding your 65th birthday to do so.
You do not have to be 65 to be eligible for Medicare. If you are under 65, you’re eligible if you have received at least 24 months of Social Security disability payments, even if they’re non-consecutive.
You will receive low-cost, full Original Medicare coverage, and can enroll in Part C if you so choose. This will give you the room to focus on recovery and not on your insurance. Once you turn 65 with Medicare, your plan will switch to regular 65 and older Medicare.
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) also qualifies you for Medicare. As long as you meet the previously listed set of requirements, you can receive full Medicare coverage if you require regular dialysis or need a kidney transplant.
You’re also automatically eligible if you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Even if you turn age 65, your special eligibility Medicare coverage stays the same.
