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Learn more about your Medicare eligibility.
At SelectQuote, we can help you navigate the complexities of Medicare and find the coverage you need. There’s no obligation to enroll.
No obligation to enroll
Understanding Medicare Eligibility Requirements
If you’re approaching your 65th birthday, it’s time to start making some important decisions about Medicare. Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) only covers 80% of your medical costs, so you may want to protect yourself from unexpected expenses by purchasing supplemental Medicare Insurance. There are two basic options to close the gap: Medicare Advantage plans or standardized Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans.No one expects you to be an expert on the subject, which is why we’re here to help. We can talk through some key factors you should know about your eligibility for Medicare as you begin to explore your options. There’s no obligation to enroll.What is the Medicare eligibility age?
Eligibility for Those 65 or Older
Turning 65 is the standard age denoting your eligibility for Medicare. This milestone entitles you to enroll in Original Medicare—made up of Part A (coverage for hospital expenses) and Part B (coverage for healthcare expenses). You are generally eligible to receive free Part A coverage (in other words, you pay no monthly premium) if you are 65 or older.The seven-month period surrounding your 65th birthday is your Initial Medicare Eligibility period for enrollment. That includes the three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and three months after. As an example, if your birthday is in August, you can enroll in May, June, July, August, September, October, or November.
Medicare Eligibility Before Age 65
You’ve Been Diagnosed With ESRD or ALSEnd-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Medicare benefits can begin as soon as the first day after three months following a course of regular dialysis or kidney transplant. Under certain conditions, Medicare coverage could start on the first month of dialysis.Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Medicare benefits can begin at the same time you start collecting Social Security Disability benefits. Coverage is the same for people who qualify based on disability as those who qualify based on age.You’re Younger Than 65 but Have a Qualifying DisabilityIf you’ve been receiving Social Security Disability for 24 months, you now also qualify for Medicare coverage. You should receive a Medicare card in the mail when the required time period has passed.Your Medicare eligibility check: Do you qualify?
Here’s a simple checklist to help you see if you're eligible for Medicare.Are you a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least five continuous years?- Yes: Continue.
- No: You are likely not eligible at this time.
- You are 65 or older.
- Most people become eligible for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) at age 65 if they (or their spouse) have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
- You are under 65 and have a disability.
- You must have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for at least 24 months.
- You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.
- You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.If you answered "yes" to the first question and checked at least one of the boxes under the second, you are likely eligible for Medicare.
Medicare Eligibility Age Chart
| Your Birth Year | Your Medicare Eligibility Year |
| Before 1960 | You’re already eligible |
| 1960 | 2025 |
| 1961 | 2026 |
| 1962 | 2027 |
| 1963 | 2028 |
| 1964 | 2029 |
| 1965 | 2030 |
| 1966 | 2031 |
| 1967 | 2032 |
| 1968 | 2033 |
| 1969 | 2034 |
| 1970 | 2035 |
| 1971 | 2036 |
| 1972 | 2037 |
| 1973 | 2038 |
| 1974 | 2039 |
| 1975 | 2040 |
| 1976 | 2041 |
| 1977 | 2042 |
| 1978 | 2043 |
| 1979 | 2044 |
| 1980 | 2045 |
How and When to Enroll in Medicare
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
The first time an eligible person can enroll in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. This timeline begins three months before the month of a person’s 65th birthday and continues through the three months following a person’s 65th birthday.Automatic vs. Active Enrollment
In some cases, enrollment is automatic. If you collect Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65 or if you’re Medicare-eligible at any age due to a disability or medical condition, you’ll generally be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare, which includes:- Part A: Coverage for hospital expenses
- Part B: Coverage for healthcare expenses
Other Key Enrollment Periods
If you miss your IEP window, you may be able to sign up during the General Enrollment Period (GEP), which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year, but this may result in a late enrollment penalty. Current beneficiaries can make changes to their coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), from October 15 to December 7, which allows for switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans or changing prescription drug plans. In addition, a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) may be available if you experience a specific life event, such as moving out of your plan’s service area or losing your health insurance.The Cost of Medicare Explained
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) Costs
In many cases, Medicare Part A is premium-free. This includes:If you are 65 or older and you worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (or you’re a government employee who is Medicare-covered).If you are receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (or you’re eligible but haven’t yet applied).Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) Costs
Everyone pays a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. The amount is either deducted from your Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or Civil Service Retirement check. If you don’t qualify for any of these, you’ll receive a bill every three months directly from Medicare.Filling the Gaps: Beyond Original Medicare
Original Medicare only covers 80% of Part B costs. That said, you should consider additional coverage to help with “gap” costs, as well as to help cover prescription drug costs. There are two options to address these costs:Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare, but they are offered through private insurers and may offer additional routine benefits.Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)
Sometimes called Medigap, these plans are offered through private insurers. Enrollment in these plans is required if you choose to have additional types of coverage. These plans are offered through private insurers who contract with Medicare, and benefits vary based on carrier, plan, and where you live. It’s important to note that you cannot have a Medicare Advantage plan if you choose to purchase a Supplemental Insurance plan.We can help you navigate all the complexities of Medicare. There’s no obligation to enroll.Working Past 65 and Your Medicare Options
Your 65th birthday and your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare are still important Medicare milestones, even if you plan to continue working. Even if you have health coverage through your employer insurance (or your spouse is working and you’re covered through their employer), certain Medicare decisions must be made.Be sure to check with your employer before your 65th birthday and before your IEP period to confirm the company’s requirements, as some employers require you to enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) at age 65. You may have the option of only enrolling in Part A (which is free for most people and provides hospital coverage) in addition to your employer’s healthcare plan.Find the Right Medicare Coverage for You
SelectQuote is here to help you understand the ins and outs of Medicare enrollment. In just minutes, our licensed insurance agents can compare Medicare Advantage plan options that may be available in your area, helping you find the right fit for your coverage needs. The service is free and there’s no obligation to enroll.We do the shopping. You do the saving.
No obligation to enroll
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