Yes, but only if you meet specific conditions

You can enroll in Medicare before age 65 if you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or if you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). You do not choose to wait until 65 — Medicare begins automatically under these circumstances. If none of these conditions explore to you, you cannot enroll in Medicare until the month you turn 65, even if you retire early.

The three pathways are separate and have different timelines. Understanding which one, if any, applies to you determines when your coverage starts and what you need to do to prepare.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI recipients become may be able to access for Medicare automatically after 24 months of receiving benefits, regardless of age.
  • People diagnosed with end-stage renal disease or ALS can enroll in Medicare when ready, even at age 18.
  • If you do not fall into one of these three categories, you must wait until the month you turn 65 to enroll.
  • Medicare enrollment happens automatically for SSDI and ALS recipients, but ESRD patients must contact Social Security to enroll.
  • Missing the enrollment window after age 65 results in permanent late-enrollment penalties on your premiums.

Medicare through SSDI: The 24-month waiting period

When you begin receiving SSDI, Social Security counts 24 months from the date your benefits start. On the first day of the 25th month, you become may be able to access for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). You do not have to do anything — Medicare enrollment happens automatically.

The 24-month clock starts on your SSDI effective date, not the date you filed or the date you received your first check. If you are unsure of your effective date, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask. Social Security will mail you a Medicare card about three months before your may be able to access date. If you do not receive it, contact them again.

SSDI recipients pay the standard Medicare Part B premium, which changes each year. In 2024, most people paid $164.90 per month, but the amount varies based on your income. You will see the premium deducted from your SSDI payment once Medicare begins.

Medicare for end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

If you have ESRD and need dialysis or a kidney transplant, you can enroll in Medicare at any age. Unlike SSDI, there is no waiting period — may be able to access begins the month your kidney disease is diagnosed as end-stage, or the month you start dialysis or have a transplant, whichever comes first.

You must contact Social Security yourself to enroll. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office with proof of your ESRD diagnosis (usually a letter from your nephrologist or dialysis center). Social Security will walk you through enrollment for Part A and Part B. Medicare coverage typically begins the first day of the month after you contact them, though timing depends on when you call and your specific medical situation.

ESRD patients pay the same Part B premium as other Medicare beneficiaries. You will also need to choose a Medigap plan or Medicare Advantage plan to cover costs that Original Medicare does not pay, because dialysis and transplant care involve significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Medicare for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)

People diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) become may be able to access for Medicare when ready, at any age. Like ESRD, there is no waiting period. Your may be able to access date is the month you are diagnosed with ALS.

You must contact Social Security to enroll, just as with ESRD. Bring documentation of your ALS diagnosis from your neurologist or the ALS Association. Social Security will enroll you in Part A and Part B, and coverage typically begins the first day of the month after you contact them.

ALS patients pay standard Medicare premiums. Because ALS progresses rapidly and involves complex medical needs, many people choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage and may offer additional benefits like home health or hospice services.

What happens if you do not fall into these categories

If you retire before 65 and do not have SSDI, ESRD, or ALS, you cannot enroll in Medicare. You will need to find coverage through your former employer's retiree health plan, the Affordable Care Act marketplace, or COBRA (if your employer offers it). These options are temporary bridges until you reach 65.

When you turn 65, you enter your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which runs for seven months: three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and three months after. You must enroll during this window. If you miss it and do not have other may have access to coverage, you will pay a permanent 10% penalty on your Part B premium for every year you delayed enrollment. This penalty stays with you for life.

How to prepare if you are approaching early Medicare may be able to access

If you are receiving SSDI and approaching your 24-month mark, mark your calendar for the month you become may be able to access. You do not need to do anything, but you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 about two months before to confirm your effective date and ask when to expect your Medicare card.

If you have ESRD or ALS, contact Social Security as soon as your diagnosis is confirmed. Bring your diagnosis letter and a photo ID. Ask Social Security when your coverage will begin and whether you need to choose a plan before your first day of coverage. Some people find it helpful to contact their current health insurance provider at the same time to understand how Medicare will coordinate with any coverage you already have.

Once you have Medicare, review your coverage options within the first few months. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers basic hospital and medical care, but you will pay 20% of most costs after your deductible. Many people enroll in a Medigap plan to cover these gaps, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan instead. You have until the end of the year to make these choices without penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does early retirement affect when I can get Medicare?

No. Retiring early does not change your Medicare may be able to access date. If you are not receiving SSDI, do not have ESRD, and do not have ALS, you must wait until age 65 to enroll in Medicare, regardless of when you stop working. You will need other insurance in the meantime.

If I am on SSDI, do I have to accept Medicare when it starts?

Medicare enrollment is automatic for SSDI recipients after 24 months, and you cannot decline it. However, you can choose which type of Medicare plan to use (Original Medicare, Medigap, or Medicare Advantage) once your coverage begins. You have until the end of the year to make this choice.

What if my ESRD or ALS diagnosis happens after I turn 65?

You are already in Medicare, so your diagnosis does not change your enrollment status. However, you may want to review your current plan to make sure it covers the treatments you now need, such as dialysis or specialized neurology care.

Can I get Medicare if I am disabled but not receiving SSDI?

No. Medicare may be able to access for people under 65 requires either 24 months of SSDI benefits, ESRD, or ALS. If you are disabled but not receiving SSDI, you cannot enroll in Medicare until age 65. You may want to contact Social Security to discuss whether you could receive SSDI benefits.

What if I miss my enrollment window after turning 65?

You can still enroll, but you will pay a permanent late-enrollment penalty on your Part B premium. The penalty is 10% of the standard premium for each full year you delayed enrollment. This penalty continues for the rest of your life, so it is important to enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period even if you do not plan to use Medicare right away.