Who is Eligible for Medicare?
You are eligible for Medicare if you are a citizen of the United States or have been a legal resident for at least 5 years and:
- You are age 65 or older and you or your spouse has worked for at least 10 years (or 40 quarters) in Medicare-covered employment.
- You are age 65 or older and you or your spouse has worked 30-39 quarters in Medicare-covered employment.
- You are age 65 or older and you or your spouse has worked 0-29 quarters in Medicare-covered employment. You must enroll as a voluntary enrollee and pay the full Part A monthly premium. Note: Low-income programs can help you pay these premiums if you meet the income and asset levels.
- You are younger than age 65 with a disability and have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Railroad Retirement disability payments for 24 months. Learn more.
- You have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — and have received your first month of SSDI payments. Learn more.
- You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) — permanent kidney failure — and require dialysis or transplant. Learn more.
To find out if you qualify for Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
