You might have often heard that age criteria for Medicare eligibility might come down to 62. There has been some news circulating that even 60 could be the cut-off. As of now, the age criterion for Medicare eligibility is 65. Is it possible to get Medicare coverage if you haven’t yet attained 65 years of age?
Probably yes, in a few situations. Below are some key points about the Medicare eligibility age, age eligibility exceptions like social security disability, RRB disability, specific health conditions like ALS and ESRD, family relationship, eligibility requirements, etc. We hope this will help you find an answer.
Medicare Eligibility Age
Most people need to be 65 years old and above to be eligible for Medicare coverage. This is applicable irrespective of whether you are working or retired by the time you turn 65. The retirement age has got nothing to do with Medicare eligibility.
While applying for Medicare coverage, the insurance cover by your employer will be your primary insurance, and Medicare will be your secondary insurance.
This is only for those who have insurance at their workplace. You attain Medicare eligibility coverage three months before the month you become 65. You can apply for Medicare since then until three months after you turn 65. In other words, you have seven months if you want to sign up for Medicare coverage.
Age Eligibility Exceptions
You have to fulfill any one of the three criteria if you want to enroll in Medicare. If you have medical conditions like ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ESRD or end-stage renal disease. Two, if you have RRB or Railroad Retirement Board disability or Social Security disability insurance. Three, if a member of your family is under Medicare coverage. Here are the details.
Social Security Disability
If you are not 65 yet, and receiving the benefits of Social Security disability insurance for the last two years, you have the eligibility to apply for Medicare. Once you are in the 22nd month since you began receiving the benefits, you can enroll for Medicare.
You will be under Medicare coverage from the 25th month. In case you are receiving benefits every month because of an occupational disability. You have been provided with a disability freeze. It will help you qualify for Medicare coverage during the 30th-month post the freeze date.
RRB Disability
If you are on a disability pension provided by the Railroad Retirement Board and fulfill a few criteria, you might attain eligibility for Medicare coverage before you turn 65.
Certain Health Conditions
You might be eligible for Medicare coverage if you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). If you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, you immediately qualify for Medicare coverage. And the cover begins soon after you start receiving the benefits attached to Social Security insurance.
You can be eligible for Medicare if you require dialysis, a kidney transplant, or if you are battling end-stage renal disease. Your coverage starts from the time you go for your first dialysis.
Family Relationship
On certain occasions and after you have completed your two-year waiting period, you might attain the eligibility of Medicare coverage even though you are under 65 years of age.
However, that would depend on the relationship you share with the person receiving Medicare benefits. They can be a disabled widow or widower below 65, a disabled, divorced spouse below 65, or a disabled child. However, there could be exceptions to this too.
Eligibility Requirements
If you want to qualify for Medicare irrespective of whatever the circumstances are, you will have to fulfill a few eligibility requirements. You must be a citizen of the United States or must be a resident of the country legally for a minimum period of 5 years. Second, you must have a stable address in the United States. Last, you can’t contribute to an HSA or a health savings plan. You can make use of the funds you have in your health savings account.
The health insurance program by the United States government is usually for people who are 65 or above. However, there are certain exceptions to it. And some of those exceptions are what we just spoke about. If you fit into the category of any of these exceptions, think no further and register yourself for the healthcare cover!