Medicare Resources

Am I Eligible for Medicare?

Most people qualify for Medicare at 65 — but age isn't the only path in. Use the calculator below to check your eligibility in seconds.

You may be eligible if you are age 65 or older, have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, or have been diagnosed with ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Eligibility also depends on your citizenship status and, for premium-free Part A, your work history.

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Who Qualifies

Age 65+U.S. citizen or 5-year resident
Under 65 — SSDIAfter 24 months of benefits
Under 65 — ALSEligible immediately upon SSDI
Under 65 — ESRDAny age with kidney failure
Spouse-basedVia spouse's 40 work quarters

Turning 65 soon? Your Initial Enrollment Period opens 3 months before your birthday month. Don't wait until the month you turn 65 — enrolling earlier means coverage starts sooner. See the full Turning 65 guide →

Medicare Eligibility — Common Questions

Who is eligible for Medicare?
You are generally eligible for Medicare at 65 if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least 5 continuous years. You may also qualify under 65 with SSDI (after 24 months), ALS (immediately upon SSDI), or End-Stage Renal Disease at any age.
Am I eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A?
You qualify for premium-free Part A if you — or your spouse — worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). If you don't meet that threshold, you can still purchase Part A at a premium (up to $518/month in 2025).
Can I get Medicare before age 65?
Yes. You automatically become eligible after receiving SSDI benefits for 24 consecutive months. People with ALS qualify immediately upon receiving SSDI. People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) — permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant — can qualify at any age.
Does my spouse's work history help me qualify?
Yes. Even if you didn't personally work enough quarters to earn premium-free Part A, you may qualify based on your spouse's work history — as long as you're at least 62 and your spouse has 40 work quarters. This applies to current, divorced (married 10+ years), and surviving spouses.
What if I'm still working when I turn 65?
If you have employer insurance through a company with 20+ employees, you can delay Medicare without a penalty. When that coverage ends, you get a Special Enrollment Period. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare typically becomes primary at 65 — delaying Part B can result in gaps and penalties.

More Medicare Resources

Turning 65 Soon?Complete guide for people approaching 65Enrollment TimelineKey dates, windows, and your Turning 65 checklistPremium CalculatorEstimate your monthly Part A and B premiumsPart B Penalty CalculatorSee the cost of delaying Part B enrollmentMedicare EligibilityDetailed eligibility rules and exceptionsAll Medicare ResourcesAll tools, calculators, and guides

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