How old do you have to be to get Medicare?

Asked by: Mikel Schamberger PhD  |  Last update: June 1, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (21 votes)

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig's disease).

Can you get Medicare at 62 years of age?

Can I get Medicare at age 62? No, you cannot get Medicare at age 62 unless you have a disability that qualifies you for Medicare. However, you may be able to get other types of health insurance coverage, such as through an employer or the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

What is the youngest age you can get Medicare?

Generally, you're first eligible to sign up for Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. (You may be eligible for Medicare earlier, if you get disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.)

Can you have Medicare at 30 years old?

Generally, Medicare is for people 65 or older. You may be able to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig's disease).

What are the three requirements for Medicare?

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) are available to the individuals below:
  • Age 65 or older.
  • Disabled.
  • End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Taking Social Security At 65 A HUGE Mistake? Retirement Expert Explains! 🫣

39 related questions found

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Does my wife get Medicare if she never worked?

Medicare does not specifically cover spouses. However, some people qualify based on their spouse's or a former spouse's work record. Some people may qualify for Medicare by reaching age 65 years and having their own eligible work and tax records. Others, however, may not have worked for the required number of quarters.

Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?

You'll get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) automatically when you turn 65. You'll still need to make important decisions about your coverage, like whether you need to add drug coverage.

At what age do you qualify for Medicaid?

Medicaid eligibility for individuals 65 and older or who have blindness or a disability is generally determined using the income methodologies of the SSI program administered by the Social Security Administration (some states, known as 209(b) states, use certain more restrictive eligibility criteria than SSI, but still ...

Why do you have to wait 2 years for Medicare?

The original purposes of the 24month waiting period were to limit costs to the Medicare trust funds at a time when many workers might have other health insurance coverage and to ensure that Medicare protection is extended only to persons whose disabilities are severe and long lasting.

Is the Medicare age changing to 67?

After it was fully phased-in in 2036, the retirement age would remain at 67. Under Social Security, the retirement age will be fully phased in to 67 by 2027. Since 1965, when Medicare was originally enacted, life expectancy has increased by over four years and is projected to continue to increase.

Do you have to pay for Medicare?

Most people don't pay a Part A premium because they paid Medicare taxes while working. If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $518 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty.

At what age do you get 100% of your Social Security?

For anyone born 1960 or later, full retirement benefits are payable at age 67.

Is Medicare Part B free at age 65?

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free for almost everyone. You have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical insurance). If you already have other health insurance when you become eligible for Medicare, you may wonder if it's worth the monthly premium costs to sign up for Part B.

Is it better to take Social Security at 62 or 67?

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.

How much Social Security will I get at age 65?

If you start collecting your benefits at age 65 you could receive approximately $33,773 per year or $2,814 per month.

What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Part A at 65?

Part A late enrollment penalty

If you have to buy Part A, and you don't buy it when you're first eligible for Medicare, your monthly premium may go up 10%. You'll have to pay the penalty for twice the number of years you didn't sign up.

What documents are needed for Medicare?

To apply for Medicare, you'll need:
  • Your Social Security Card.
  • Your original birth certificate.
  • Proof of U.S citizenship or legal citizenship status documentation if you were not born in the U.S.
  • A copy of your W-2 form.

Can I collect my deceased husband's Medicare?

If the husband dies before her, she would be entitled to Medicare on his record as his widow. She would also be entitled to some level of Social Security payments as his wife or as his widow.

Does Medicare cover dental?

In most cases, Medicare doesn't cover dental services like routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or items like dentures.

Can you collect 1/2 of your spouse's Social Security and then your full amount?

You can't collect a spousal benefit if you're eligible for a retirement benefit of your own that's larger than your potential spousal-benefit entitlement; you can claim your own larger benefit or the spousal benefit, but not both.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

Will Medicare pay for a tummy tuck?

Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty, are considered cosmetic procedures and are not covered by Medicaid or Medicare unless deemed medically necessary. Dual eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare is possible, with low-income seniors and disabled individuals often meeting the criteria for both programs.