Getting Medicare Before 65: What Happens at 62

You cannot get Medicare at 62 based on age alone

Medicare may be able to access normally starts at 65. If you are 62, you do not may have access to for Medicare just because of your age. However, there are specific situations where people younger than 65 can enroll in Medicare, and understanding those routes matters if you are approaching retirement or facing a health change.

The most common path for people in their early 60s is to keep your employer health insurance or buy coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace until you reach 65. But if you have certain disabilities or conditions, Medicare may be available to you now.

Key Takeaways

Medicare at 62 is only possible if you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, or if you have end-stage renal disease or ALS.
If you are still working and have employer coverage, keeping that plan is usually cheaper than buying individual insurance until age 65.
If you are retired and do not have employer coverage, the Affordable Care Act marketplace offers plans you can enroll in at any age.
Waiting until 65 to claim Social Security increases your monthly benefit, but claiming at 62 reduces it permanently.

Medicare through SSDI: The 24-month rule

If you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months, you become may be able to access for Medicare regardless of your age. This means if you were approved for SSDI at 50, you could enroll in Medicare at 52. If you were approved at 60, you could enroll at 62.

The 24 months is measured from the month your SSDI payments began, not from the month you applied. You do not need to do anything special to trigger Medicare enrollment — Social Security will contact you automatically when you reach the 24-month mark and will enroll you in Medicare Part A and Part B unless you decline.

If you are currently receiving SSDI and are approaching the 24-month point, you can contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your exact enrollment date. They can tell you the month you will be automatically enrolled.

Medicare for people with end-stage renal disease or ALS

Two medical conditions bypass the age and disability waiting period entirely: end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

If you have ESRD and need dialysis or a kidney transplant, you become may be able to access for Medicare when ready, even at 62 or younger. Similarly, if you have been diagnosed with ALS, you become may be able to access for Medicare right away without waiting for SSDI approval or the 24-month clock.

For ESRD, Medicare enrollment happens through your dialysis center or transplant program — they handle the paperwork. For ALS, you can contact Social Security directly to enroll in Medicare, or your doctor can help you start the process.

Keeping employer coverage instead of switching to Medicare

If you are still working at 62 and your employer offers health insurance, staying on that plan is often the better choice. Employer plans typically have lower out-of-pocket costs than Medicare, especially if you are healthy and do not need many services.

You do not have to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65 if you are still covered by an active employer plan. However, once you leave that job or lose coverage, you have a limited window (usually 63 days) to enroll in Medicare without facing a late-enrollment penalty. Mark your calendar for when your employer coverage ends so you do not miss this important date.

If you are self-employed or your employer does not offer insurance, the Affordable Care Act marketplace is your option until 65. You can enroll during the annual open enrollment period (November 1 to January 15) or if you experience a may have access to life event like losing coverage.

Social Security and Medicare at 62: The trade-off

Many people claim Social Security at 62 because they want income right away. If you do this, your monthly benefit is permanently reduced — typically 30 percent less than if you waited until your full retirement age (usually 66 or 67, depending on your birth year).

Claiming Social Security at 62 does not automatically enroll you in Medicare. You still need to enroll in Medicare Part B when you turn 65, unless you are already covered through SSDI, ESRD, or ALS. If you do not enroll in Part B within three months of turning 65, you will pay a late-enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare.

The decision to claim Social Security early is separate from the decision about Medicare. Some people claim Social Security at 62 but delay Medicare enrollment until 65 if they have other coverage. Others do the opposite — they keep working, do not claim Social Security yet, but enroll in Medicare early through SSDI.

What to do if you are 62 and uninsured

If you are 62, not working, and do not have health coverage, your options depend on your income and whether you live in a state that expanded Medicaid.

The Affordable Care Act marketplace is open to you year-round if you have a may have access to event (such as losing employer coverage or aging off a parent's plan). During the annual open enrollment period (November 1 to January 15), anyone can enroll. Plans vary in cost and coverage, and you may be able to lower your monthly premium based on your income.

If your income is very low, you may be covered by Medicaid, which is run by your state. Medicaid may be able to access and coverage vary widely by state. You can check your state's Medicaid program or call 211 to learn what is available where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I claim Social Security at 62, do I automatically get Medicare?

No. Claiming Social Security and enrolling in Medicare are separate decisions. You must enroll in Medicare Part B when you turn 65, even if you claimed Social Security early. If you do not enroll within three months of your 65th birthday, you will pay a penalty on your Part B premium for life.

Can I get Medicare at 62 if I am on disability but not SSDI?

Only if you have been receiving SSDI for 24 months, or if you have ESRD or ALS. Other disabilities do not make you may be able to access for Medicare before 65. If you are not on SSDI, you may be covered by Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act marketplace depending on your income and state.

What happens if I turn 65 while still working and covered by my employer?

You do not have to enroll in Medicare at 65 if you are still covered by an active employer plan. When you leave that job or lose coverage, you have 63 days to enroll in Medicare without a late-enrollment penalty. Contact Medicare or Social Security before your coverage ends to understand your enrollment important date.

Does Medicare cost the same at 62 as it does at 65?

If you enroll in Medicare before 65 through SSDI, ESRD, or ALS, the costs are the same as they would be at 65. Part A (hospital insurance) is usually free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working. Part B (medical insurance) has a monthly premium that increases if you delay enrollment after 65.

What if I cannot afford any health insurance until 65?

Contact 211 or your state Medicaid office to see what programs are available based on your income. The Affordable Care Act marketplace may offer plans with lower premiums if your income qualifies. Some community health centers offer services on a sliding fee scale based on what you can pay.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.