Medicare: Eligibility and Enrollment

Who can get Medicare? Basically, two groups are eligible for Medicare.

1.       Most people 65 and older

2.       People younger than 65 who have certain disabilities and illnesses

You might assume that signing up for a big government program like Medicare would be confusing.  But it's usually easy.  Most people are signed up automatically.

Medicare Eligibility and Enrollment for People 65 and Older

Any U.S. citizen who is 65 or older is eligible for Medicare.  If you're already getting Social Security checks, enrollment into the program should be automatic.  You'll get your Medicare card three months before your 65th birthday.  The benefits kick in on the first day of the month of your 65th birthday. 

If you're not getting Social Security payments already, you have to enroll in Medicare.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles the enrollment process for Medicare.  Call SSA at (800) 772-1213, visit the web site (www.ssa.gov), or apply at your local Social Security office.  Apply three months before your 65th birthday.  That way, you can be sure that your benefits will start on time.

Medicare Eligibility and Enrollment for People With Disabilities and Illnesses

Regardless of age, people with Lou Gehrig's disease, kidney failure, and some other disabilities also get Medicare.  However, they might have a waiting period before they can get Medicare benefits.  Here are the details.

• Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS.) As soon as you get Social Security Disability benefits for ALS, you should be automatically enrolled in Medicare.  There is no waiting period.
• Kidney failure.  To qualify, you must have end-stage renal disease and need dialysis or a kidney transplant.  Usually, you can't get Medicare until three months after you start dialysis.  Once you've been diagnosed with kidney failure, call the Social Security administration at (800) 772-1213 to enroll in Medicare.
• Other disabilities for which you get Social Security Disability benefits.  You can't get Medicare until two years after you qualify for Social Security Disability.  At that point, the Social Security Administration should sign you up automatically.

If you are not getting Medicare coverage and feel that you should, call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.