Medicare Eligibility Requirements

Find out if you qualify for Medicare benefits and when you can enroll. Understanding eligibility is the first step to getting the healthcare coverage you need.

Check Your Eligibility

Who Qualifies for Medicare?

Medicare eligibility is based on age, disability status, or certain medical conditions.

Age 65 or Older
The most common way to qualify for Medicare
Automatic enrollment if receiving Social Security
Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident for 5+ years
You or your spouse worked 10+ years paying Medicare taxes
Most Common Path
Under 65 with Disability
Qualifying disabilities and conditions
Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
24-month waiting period after SSDI begins
Certain conditions may waive waiting period
Special Circumstances
Specific Medical Conditions
End-Stage Renal Disease and ALS
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease)
No waiting period for these conditions
Immediate Eligibility

Work History Requirements

To qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, you or your spouse must have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters).

40 Quarters (10 Years)

Premium-free Part A for most people

30-39 Quarters

Reduced premium: $278/month in 2024

Less than 30 Quarters

Full premium: $505/month in 2024

Person reviewing work history documents

Special Eligibility Situations

Certain circumstances may affect your Medicare eligibility or enrollment timing.

Working Past 65

If you're still working and have employer health insurance when you turn 65, you may be able to delay Medicare enrollment without penalty.

  • • Employer must have 20+ employees
  • • Coverage must be "creditable"
  • • You have 8 months after employment ends to enroll
  • • COBRA doesn't count as employer coverage
End-Stage Renal Disease

People with ESRD can get Medicare at any age, but there are specific rules about when coverage begins.

  • • Coverage starts the 4th month of dialysis
  • • Immediate coverage if you get a kidney transplant
  • • Can start earlier if you participate in self-dialysis training
  • • Special enrollment periods apply
Railroad Workers

Railroad workers and their families may have different Medicare eligibility rules through the Railroad Retirement Board.

  • • May qualify through Railroad Retirement benefits
  • • Different application process
  • • Contact Railroad Retirement Board for details
  • • Same Medicare benefits once enrolled
Government Employees

Federal employees and those with government health plans have special considerations for Medicare enrollment.

  • • FEHB plans work with Medicare
  • • May delay Part B without penalty
  • • Special enrollment rights
  • • Consult with benefits office

Check Your Medicare Eligibility

Use the official Medicare eligibility tool to see if you qualify and when you can enroll.

Check Eligibility Get Started Guide