Medicare is typically available to individuals who are age 65 and older, but it can be acquired by certain people who do not meet this requirement. If you would like to enroll in Medicare before age 65, you must be diagnosed with a qualifying disability. There are also other requirements that must be met and they will be discussed throughout this article. 

Qualifying For Medicare Before Age 65

In order to become eligible for Medicare before you turn 65, you must qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for at least 24 months or provide proof that you have been recently diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. For individuals who wish to qualify due to their Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis diagnosis, benefits will activate automatically after the first month their Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are dispersed. 

How To Qualify For Social Security Disability Insurance

Your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance is not influenced by the Medicare agency or any Medicare-authorized private insurer. The social Security administration handles all decisions regarding your Social Security Disability benefits, therefore you will need to contact them to learn if you meet their specific criteria. To learn more about Social Security Disability benefits, contact your local Social Security Administration office or visit their official website. 

End-Stage Renal Disease Eligibility

In order to be eligible for Medicare benefits due to End-Stage Renal Disease, you must be getting dialysis or have had a kidney transplant and be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Rail Retirement Board benefits. If you do not meet these specifications, you can also qualify if you have a spouse or parent who has paid Medicare taxes for an amount of time to be determined by the Social Security Administration. 

Enrollment Under Age 65

The Medicare enrollment process functions rather similarly whether you are under age 65 or older. You can enroll as soon as you are eligible, and your benefits will begin soon after your application is accepted and you choose your coverage. Once you have Part A and Part B coverage, you can also choose to switch to Medicare Advantage, enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, or purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance. Work with a Medicare professional to determine which options are best for your circumstances. 

Shop Medicare Plans

Finding the right Medicare policy can be difficult without assistance. If you need help determining your eligibility for Medicare, our Medicare experts at Trusted Senior Specialists are standing by for your call. We can also help guide you through the application and enrollment process. Reach out to us now to schedule a consultation.