Are You Eligible for Medicare?

Most Americans become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. But there are other ways to qualify as well.

Who Qualifies for Medicare

• Age 65+: You or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters)
• Disability: You've received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months
• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant (any age)
• ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease): Medicare begins automatically the same month you start SSDI benefits

When to Enroll

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your IEP is a 7-month window: 3 months before the month you turn 65, the month of your birthday, and 3 months after. Enrolling during this window avoids late enrollment penalties.

Still Working at 65?

If you have active employer group health coverage (from you or your spouse's employer with 20+ employees), you can delay Medicare without penalty. Once that coverage ends, you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up.

Annual Enrollment Period

October 15 – December 7 each year. Existing Medicare beneficiaries can switch between Medicare Advantage plans or Part D drug plans during this window.

Turning 65 soon? Contact Peter 3–6 months before your birthday to make sure you enroll on time and get the right plan from day one.