Do I qualify for Medicare at 65?
The short answer
Most people qualify for Medicare at 65. If you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, you likely qualify for premium-free Part A coverage.
The full explanation
Turning 65 is the main gateway into Medicare for most people. If you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare payroll taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters), you qualify for Part A, which covers hospital stays, at no monthly premium. Part B, which covers doctor visits and outpatient care, is available to you as well and does carry a monthly premium.If you did not work enough quarters to earn premium-free Part A, you can still buy into Medicare at 65 by paying a monthly premium for Part A in addition to Part B. This is less common but worth knowing.Citizenship and residency also factor in. Generally, you need to be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the country for at least five continuous years.Age 65 eligibility applies regardless of your health status. Medicare cannot turn you down because of a pre-existing condition. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you are typically enrolled in Medicare automatically. If not, you need to sign up yourself during your Initial Enrollment Period, which spans the seven months around your 65th birthday.
Related Medicare Resources
