Certain Age Eligibility Requirements
Medicare eligibility starts at age 65 for most people, but there are ways to qualify for Medicare while under 65. However, to do this, you have to meet certain eligibility requirements.
Social Security Disability
Benefits If you are under the age of 65 and you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are eligible to enroll in Medicare. To qualify, you must have received these checks from Social Security for at least 24 months. Your coverage will then kick in the 25th month of receiving the benefits.
Railroad Retirement Board
If you receive disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, you may also be qualified to enroll in Medicare while under 65. Just make sure you contact them to learn more about becoming eligible for Medicare when receiving their benefits.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/End-Stage Renal Disease
People who have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis may also qualify for Medicare while under 65. If you are diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and receive SSDI, you become immediately eligible for Medicare and will be automatically enrolled as soon as your SSDI benefits begin. People with End-Stage Renal Disease also qualify if they need regular dialysis or a kidney transplant. The coverage will kick in shortly after the first dialysis. You may be required to provide a doctor’s report or other documents during enrollment. You can also qualify with ESRD if you are eligible for SSDI, Railroad Retirement Board benefits, and if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for the correct amount of time.
Are You Eligible?
If you’re still unsure about your eligibility for Medicare, no worries! At Strtickland Insurance & Financial Group, our experts are dedicated to helping you enroll in the right plan and get the coverage you deserve.