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Understanding the Requirements to be Eligible for Medicare
Medicare Eligibility
Most U.S citizen or a permanent resident who have lived here continuously for 5 years or more are
eligible for Medicare at age 65, however other individuals who have been entitled to social security
disability income for at least 24 months, people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are also
eligible for Medicare.
People get confused their social security retirement age with Medicare eligibility date, A person can
apply for social security retirement income as early as age 62 or as late as age 70.
You should apply for Medicare during the 7-month window when you turn 65 whether you have retired
or not (3 months before you turn 65, the month of your 65 birthday, and 3 months after you turn 65 to
enroll in Medicare).
Eligibility for Medicare Part A
You are eligible for Medicare Part A at age 65 and you qualify for premium-free Part A if
- You or your spouse have worked and paid Medicare taxes for 10 years or more (40 quarters)
If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, you must pay a monthly Part A premium which is the following in 2023:
- You or your spouse who paid Medicare taxes for 30-39 quarters must pay
$274/month - You or your spouse who paid Medicare Taxes for less than 30 quarters must pay
$499/month
You may be automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B if you’re receiving social security income
benefits, and your Medicare card will be mailed to you approximately 3-7 weeks before your 65 th
birthday and your Medicare benefits will start on the first day of the month your turn 65.
