Medicare is generally available for people who are 65 years old or older. Most individuals become eligible for Medicare starting three months before their 65th birthday and can sign up until three months after the month they turn 65, covering a total of a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period
. However, there are exceptions allowing earlier eligibility for people under 65 who meet specific conditions, such as:
- Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months, after which they are automatically enrolled in Medicare
- Having End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which qualify them for Medicare regardless of age
In summary:
- Standard Medicare eligibility age: 65 years old.
- Early eligibility: Under 65 with disability (SSDI for 24 months), ESRD, or ALS.
Most people enroll in Medicare when they turn 65, but some may enroll earlier due to disability or specific health conditions
