Medicare Benefits Age Requirements

Understating the Medicare Benefits Age Requirements is critical in determining eligibility and making sure you qualify for Medicare. One is eligible for Medicare at the age at which they have access to Medicare Part A and can purchase Medicare Part B. Most people, however, are eligible for Medicare at the age of 65. For some with disabilities such as End-stage-Renal Disease, the Medicare eligibility age may come at a younger age. Most people are also eligible for Medicare Part A without having to pay for it, but there are several exceptions.

The current age at which people are eligible for Medicare is 65. That means that people who are 65 years and over are eligible to start receiving Medicare benefits.

The Medicare Eligibility Age

In addition to your age, there are several further requirements you must meet to receive and sign up for Medicare benefits. First, you have to be a citizen of the U.S. or a permanent legal resident in the U.S. for not less than 5 years. You can also qualify for Medicare benefits if you’ve worked in the U.S or your spouse has worked in the U.S and are eligible for Social Security benefits due to having worked for long enough. Lastly, you can also qualify for Medicare if you or your spouse is a government employee or retiree who hasn’t paid into Social Security but has paid Medicare payroll taxes.

Can You Qualify for Medicare Before the Age Of 65?

There are several ways an individual under the age of 65 can be eligible for Medicare. For instance, you may qualify if you have Lou Gehrig’s disease or end-stage renal disease. If you have Lou Gehrig’s disease, you’re automatically enrolled for Medicare the first month you begin receiving benefits. However, in the case of end-stage-renal disease, Medicare benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis, which means you’ll need to apply manually.

You can also qualify if you have a Railroad Retirement board disability pension. Another way you may qualify for Medicare benefits below the age of 65 is if you’re eligible for Social Security benefits for at least 24 months.

It’s also still possible to get Medicare benefits if you don’t qualify based on either your work record or that of your spouse. However, you must be at least 65 years of age and a citizen of the U.S. or legal resident of the U.S. for at least five years. To qualify, you must pay hospital insurance premiums (Medicare Part A) and pay the same monthly premiums that others who have enrolled for Medicare pay for visits to the doctor (Part B) and prescription drug coverage (Part D).

Bottom Line

It’s important to know the Medicare Benefits Age Requirements. That way you can apply for Medicare as soon as your eligible. Even if you qualify for an exception, it’s not automatic that you’ll receive Medicare benefits right away. Staying up to date on your Medicare eligibility status helps to ensure you’re receiving Medicare benefits. If you still have questions about the process, reach out to a Medicare professional to ensure that you’re getting the best coverage.