Can you get Medicare before age 65?

Yes. You can qualify for Medicare before age 65 if you have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, have ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease — Medicare begins immediately upon SSDI approval), or have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Do you have to have worked to qualify for Medicare?

Not necessarily. You qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). If you haven't, you can still enroll in Medicare Part A by paying a monthly premium (up to $565/month in 2026). Part B is available to anyone who is eligible for Part A.

Can a non-citizen get Medicare?

Yes, but with conditions. Non-citizens who are lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least 5 years may qualify for Medicare at age 65. The same work history requirements for premium-free Part A apply.

How do I check if I am eligible for Medicare?

You can check your Medicare eligibility online at Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or by contacting your local Social Security office. You can also use the Social Security Administration's Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) at ssa.gov.

Medicare Eligibility Requirements 2026 | Who Qualifies for Medicare?

Q: At what age do you become eligible for Medicare?

Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. If you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B the month you turn 65. If not, you need to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period, which begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month.

Q: What is the maximum income to qualify for Medicare?

There is no income limit to qualify for Medicare — eligibility is based on age or disability status, not income. However, higher-income beneficiaries pay more for Parts B and D through Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA). In 2026, IRMAA surcharges begin for individuals with income above $103,000 (or $206,000 for married couples filing jointly).

Who Qualifies for Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older. However, younger people with certain disabilities or medical conditions can also qualify. There are three main pathways to Medicare eligibility:

Age 65+

The most common pathway — available to U.S. citizens and qualifying permanent residents.

Disability (SSDI)

After receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for 24 months. ALS qualifies immediately.

ESRD // Kidney Failure

End-Stage Renal Disease requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant, at any age.

Medicare Age Eligibility

The standard Medicare eligibility age is 65 years old. To enroll, you must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least 5 consecutive years. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month and extends 3 months after — a 7-month window total.

Tip: If you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail about 3 months before your 65th birthday.

If you are not receiving Social Security benefits at 65, you must actively sign up. Failing to enroll during your IEP can result in a late enrollment penalty for Part B and Part D.

Medicare Disability Eligibility

If you are under 65 and have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. The 24-month waiting period begins with your first SSDI payment.

ALS Exception

If you have ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Lou Gehrig's disease), the 24-month waiting period is waived. Medicare coverage begins the same month your SSDI benefits start.

People under 65 with Medicare due to disability can add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, though federal law does not require insurers to sell Medigap to people under 65. Some states have additional protections — check your state's rules.

Medicare Part a Eligibility Requirements

Most people qualify for premium-free Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). If you don't meet the work history requirement, you can still enroll in Part A by paying a monthly premium.

Work History	2026 Part A Premium
40+ quarters (10+ years)	$0/month (premium-free)
30–39 quarters	$311/month
Fewer than 30 quarters	$565/month

Medicare Part B Eligibility Requirements

Anyone who is eligible for Medicare Part A is also eligible for Part B. Unlike Part A, Part B always requires a monthly premium. The standard 2026 Part B premium is $202.90/month, though higher-income beneficiaries pay more through IRMAA surcharges.

If you are still working and have employer coverage, you may be able to delay Part B enrollment without penalty. Once your employer coverage ends, you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up.

What is the Maximum Income to Qualify for Medicare?

There is no income limit to qualify for Medicare. Eligibility is based on age or disability status, not income or assets. However, your income does affect how much you pay for Medicare. Higher-income beneficiaries pay more for Parts B and D through Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA).

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for programs that help pay Medicare costs, including Medicaid, the Medicare Savings Programs, and Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D drug costs.

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