How Do You Get Medicare Before 65?

You can qualify for Medicare before age 65 if you have a qualifying disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Who Qualifies for Medicare Before 65

Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. However, you can get it earlier if you meet one of these conditions:

1. You have a disability and have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months.

2. You have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) — you qualify automatically when your disability benefits begin.

3. You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) — you qualify for Medicare if you need regular dialysis or a kidney transplant.

How to Apply for Medicare Before 65

Step 1. Determine Your Eligibility
Confirm whether your disability or medical condition meets Medicare’s criteria.

Step 2. Apply Through Social Security
You can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. Once approved, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare after the required waiting period (or immediately in the case of ALS).

Step 3. Choose Your Coverage Type
After you qualify, you can choose between:

• Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

• Medicare Advantage (Part C), which combines A and B and may include extra benefits like prescription drugs, dental, and vision coverage.

Step 4. Add Prescription Coverage (Optional)
You can enroll in Medicare Part D for drug coverage or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescriptions.

When Coverage Starts

• Disability: Medicare starts automatically after 24 months of receiving SSDI payments.

• ALS: Coverage starts the same month disability benefits begin.

• ESRD: Coverage begins the first day of the fourth month of dialysis treatments, or earlier if you take part in a home dialysis training program.

Costs for Those Under 65

Even if you qualify early, you may still pay:

• Part A premium: Usually free if you or your spouse worked at least 10 years.

• Part B premium: A monthly cost (based on income).

• Part D or Part C premiums: Optional and vary by plan.

FAQs

Q1. Can I get Medicare if I’m on SSDI but under 65?
Yes, after receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months, you automatically qualify for Medicare.

Q2. Can I buy Medicare if I don’t qualify through disability?
If you’re not eligible, you can’t buy standard Medicare early — but you may purchase private health insurance or coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Q3. Does Medicare coverage differ for people under 65?
Coverage benefits are the same, but costs and available Medicare Advantage plans may differ by state.

Q4. Do I need to reapply for Medicare at 65?
No. If you already have Medicare due to disability, your coverage continues automatically once you turn 65.

Q5. What happens if I lose SSDI eligibility?
If your disability benefits stop, your Medicare coverage may continue for a limited time — usually up to 8.5 years after SSDI ends.

Final Thoughts

Getting Medicare before 65 is possible if you have a qualifying disability or serious medical condition like ESRD or ALS. Understanding your eligibility and enrollment timing helps you secure affordable healthcare coverage early.

Need help checking your eligibility or comparing early Medicare options? Fill out the form below to get expert guidance and a personalized Medicare plan that fits your needs. Start now — it’s fast, secure, and tailored to you.