Eligibility and help paying
Who is eligible for Medicare?
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Short answer
You're eligible for Medicare at 65 if you're a U.S. citizen or have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years in a row.
You can get Medicare before 65 if you've received Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits for 24 months, if you have ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), or if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant).
Medicare Part A is premium-free if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters); Medicare eligibility doesn't depend on income.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 65 | Medicare.gov |
| Citizenship or residency | U.S. citizen, or lawful permanent resident for 5 years in a row | Medicare.gov |
| Disability | After 24 months of Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits | Medicare.gov |
| ALS | As soon as Social Security disability benefits begin | Medicare.gov |
| End-Stage Renal Disease | Permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant | Medicare.gov |
| Premium-free Part A | 10 years (40 quarters) of Medicare-taxed work, yours or a spouse's | Medicare.gov |
Can I get Medicare at 65?
Yes, if you're a U.S. citizen or have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 continuous years. You can get Medicare whether or not you've retired or claimed Social Security; the difference is whether you're enrolled automatically or sign up yourself. When to sign up.
Can I get Medicare before 65?
Yes, in three situations. After you've received Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for 24 months, you're enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. People with ALS get Medicare as soon as their disability benefits begin, without the 24-month wait. People with End-Stage Renal Disease can get Medicare when they need regular dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, usually after a short waiting period.
Who gets Part A without a premium?
You get premium-free Part A if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working for at least 10 years (40 quarters). A divorced spouse can qualify on an ex-spouse's record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Without enough work history you can buy Part A: $311 a month with 30 to 39 quarters or $565 a month with fewer than 30, in 2026.
Does income affect Medicare eligibility?
No. Medicare isn't based on income or savings. Income affects what you pay: higher earners pay more for Parts B and D (IRMAA), and people with limited income may get help with costs (help paying for Medicare). Medicaid, a different program, is based on income. Medicare vs. Medicaid.
Good to know
More questions people ask
Can I get Medicare at 62?
Can I get Medicare on my spouse's work record?
Can non-citizens get Medicare?
Do I qualify for Medicare if I have a disability but I'm under 65?
Related questions
- Medicare.gov: Medicare basics
- Medicare.gov: When can I sign up for Medicare?
- Medicare.gov: Medicare costs
- Social Security: Medicare
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.