Medicare Eligibility
Medicare Eligibility
Medicare Eligibility usually begins for people when they turn 65 years old. However, they may also qualify if they have certain disabilities, ESRD or ALS.
You Are 65 Or Older
You may qualify for full Medicare benefits if:
- You are a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident who has lived in the United States for at least five years and
- You are receiving Social Security or railroad retirement benefits or have worked long enough to be eligible for those benefits but are not yet collecting them.
- You or your spouse is a government employee or retiree who has not paid into Social Security but has paid Medicare payroll taxes while working.
Under 65? You May Still Be Eligible
You may qualify for full Medicare benefits if:
- Disability – People under age 65 with certain disabilities for 24 months.
- ESRD – People of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).
- ALS – People with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Other Ways to get Medicare
If you do not qualify on your own or through your spouse’s work record but are a U.S. citizen or have been a legal resident for at least five years, you can get full Medicare benefits at age 65 or older. You just have to buy into them by:
Paying premiums for Part A, the hospital insurance. How much you would have to pay for Part A depends on how long you’ve worked. The longer you work, the more work credits you will earn. Work credits are earned based on your income; the amount of income it takes to earn a credit changes each year. In 2021 you earn one work credit for every $1,470 in earnings, up to a maximum of four credits per year. If you have accrued fewer than 30 work credits, you pay the maximum premium — $471 in 2021. If you have 30 to 39 credits, you pay less — $259 a month in 2021. If you continue working until you gain 40 credits during your working life, you will no longer pay these premiums.
Paying the same monthly premiums for Part B, which covers doctor visits and other outpatient services, as other enrollees pay. In 2021 the amount is $148.50 for individuals with a yearly income of $88,000 or less or those filing a joint tax return with $176,000 in income or less. Rates are higher for people with higher incomes.
Paying the same monthly premium for Part D prescription drug coverage as others enrolled in the drug plan you choose.
You cannot enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, which is a private insurance alternative to Original Medicare, or buy a Medigap Supplemental insurance policy unless you’re enrolled in both A and B.