Eligibility & Enrollment

Not everyone is allowed to sign up for Original Medicare.  Here, you can find out who is eligible for Medicare and when you can sign up for it.

The following individuals are eligible for Original Medicare the Health Insurance program from the Federal government:

• Age 65 or older
• Disabled
• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Aging Individuals (Those turning 65) can apply by contacting the Social Security Administration 4 months before the month they turn 65.   Medicare is effective the first day of the month you turn 65 unless your birthday is on the first of the month.   In that case, your Medicare starts the month before you turn 65.   For example, if your 65^th birthday is June 24, your Medicare starts June 1.  If you turn 65 on September 1^st, your Medicare is effective August 1 (the month before).  You can apply for Medicare via the Social Security Administration website.

Getting Medicare because of a disability is more complicated.  In general, people get Medicare automatically after being on Social Security disability income for two years (24 months).  Go to Medicare.gov for more information: medicare.gov

People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) can get Medicare before age 65.  For more information on End-Stage Renal Disease go to cms.gov: 

For complete Eligibility & Enrollment information go to cms.gov: 

OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE

You have employer coverage and don’t know what to do? See Q&A #1

Should you get Medicare Part A & Part B?  See Q&A #2

Are you turning 65 soon but don’t want Medicare because you want to continue working? See Q&A #3

Want to maximize your Social Security and don’t want to apply for Social Security retirement yet?  See Q&A #4

What happen if I missed my initial Medicare enrollment when I turned 65?  See Q&A #5

You can also visit my Retiring page for more information