WHAT IS MEDICARE?
Medicare is federal health insurance for people aged 65 and older. People under the age of 65 may also qualify for the program if they meet specific requirements.
To register for Medicare, you must meet the eligibility requirements. The three ways you can qualify for Medicare enrollment are by age, disability benefits, or if you have certain health conditions — like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
ELIGIBILITY
Do I qualify for Medicare?
AGE
You can qualify for Medicare by age once you are 65 years or older. You will become eligible to enroll three months before your 65th birthday until three months after turning 65. This window is called the Initial Enrollment Period. You can apply for Original Medicare during this period if you are eligible. If you decide to delay your enrollment, you may face a late enrollment penalty whenever you decide to enroll for Medicare at a later time. However, you can avoid these late enrollment penalties as long you qualify and enroll during a Special Enrollment Period.
DISABILITY
People who receive Social Security Disability benefits can qualify for Medicare once they have received benefits for 24 months. Individuals in this category become automatically eligible on the 25th month.
HEALTH CONDITION
People suffering from End-Stage Renal Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis may become eligible for Medicare even when under 65. Those with kidney failure who need a transplant or frequent dialysis qualify for Medicare automatically. Medicare will begin coverage after the first dialysis.