The disabled—those under age 65 who have received Social Security or Railroad Retiree disability benefits for 24 consecutive months. Click the link below to download our factsheet, or call SHIIP at 1-800-351-4664 (TTY 1-800-735-2942) to request that it be sent to you.
Those with a diagnosis of ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
People with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant).
To be eligible for Medicare, a person must be a US citizen and resident of the U.S. or an alien living in the U.S. for five years who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
Enrolling in Medicare
For those approaching Medicare eligibility, it's important to know the different types of medical coverage available to you. We've created an easy-to-understand checklist to help you decide what type of Medicare you want to receive. Plus, additional resources for those with limited income to help with Medicare drug costs and premiums or co-pays. Review our Checklist for People Approaching Medicare Eligibility to decide:
When you should enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B.
How you want to get your Medicare Coverage.
If you are eligibly for programs to help cover costs.
Common Questions about Enrollment Timing
You may be able to delay enrollment in Medicare Part B without penalty if you or your spouse continue to be actively employed and are covered by the employer’s group health plan. In this situation you can enroll in Medicare Part B during a special eight-month enrollment period when you retire (whether you keep employer-sponsored retiree insurance coverage or not). The Social Security Administration determines when you are eligible to enroll in Medicare. Call their toll-free number, 800-772-1213, with your specific questions. Ask Social Security to send information about your situation in writing. Keep this information on file.
If you’re 65 or older, you or your spouse are employed and the employer has 20 or more employees, you must be offered the same health insurance benefits under the same conditions offered to younger workers and spouses. [Note: If you’re eligible for Medicare because of a disability, there must be at least 100 employees.] The employer cannot provide a Medicare supplement insurance policy instead of regular group coverage.
Employers with fewer than 20 employees (100 if disabled) are not required to offer health insurance coverage to employees over age 65. However, the employer may choose to do so.
Call SHIIP at 1-800-351-4664 (TTY 1-800-735-2942) for answers to other questions regarding Medicare and health insurance when you are employed past age 65.
No, you will be eligible for Medicare when you are 65. Since you are currently receiving Social Security benefits the Social Security office will automatically enroll you in Medicare and send you a Medicare card shortly before you turn 65.
