At what age are you eligible for Medicare?
The standard age for Medicare is 65. This applies to most U.S. citizens and to legal residents who have lived in the country for at least five years. You do not have to be retired to qualify. Age 65 is the main gateway, and it has not changed the way the full retirement age for Social Security has (source: Medicare.gov, Who is eligible for Medicare?).
Can you get Medicare before 65?
Yes, in some cases. You can qualify before 65 if you have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months. You can also qualify if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure that needs dialysis or a transplant) or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig's disease). With ALS, coverage starts the month your disability benefits begin (source: SSA, Medicare benefits).
When should you sign up for Medicare?
Your first chance to enroll is the Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts seven months. It starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. Signing up early, in those first three months, helps your coverage start on time. If you miss this window, you may pay a lifelong late penalty and wait for the next enrollment period (source: Medicare.gov, When to sign up).
Before you go in, get ready for your appointment so you have the right documents on hand.
Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare at 65?
It depends on your situation. If you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before 65, you are enrolled in Part A and Part B automatically. Your card arrives about three months before your birthday. If you are not yet drawing those benefits, you must sign up on your own. Do not assume it happens for you (source: SSA, Medicare benefits).
What if you are still working at 65?
If you or your spouse still work and you have group health coverage from that job, you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty. This depends on the size of the employer and the type of plan. When the job or coverage ends, you get a Special Enrollment Period to sign up. Rules here get detailed, so check your facts before you decide (source: Medicare.gov, When to sign up).
If you want help sorting through your options, you can talk to a licensed advisor. For how these benefits connect, see more on Medicare and Social Security.
Frequently asked questions
At what age are you eligible for Medicare?
Age 65 for most people. Some qualify earlier through disability or specific health conditions.
Can you get Medicare before 65?
Yes. You qualify after 24 months of Social Security disability benefits, or right away with ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease.
When should you sign up for Medicare?
During your Initial Enrollment Period, the seven months around your 65th birthday. Signing up early helps coverage start on time.
Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare at 65?
Only if you already get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. Otherwise, you must sign up yourself.
What if you are still working at 65?
You may be able to delay Part B without a penalty if you have qualifying employer coverage. The rules depend on employer size.