What Age You Need to Be to Draw Medicare

You must be 65 years old to draw Medicare, with limited exceptions for younger people with disabilities or end-stage renal disease

Medicare may be able to access is tied to age 65 for most people. You become may be able to access on the first day of the month you turn 65, or the month after, depending on your birthday. If you were born on the first of the month, you become may be able to access that month. If you were born on any other day, you become may be able to access the first day of the following month.

There are two important exceptions: people under 65 with certain disabilities, and people of any age with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). These groups can draw Medicare before reaching 65, but the process and timing differ from age-based enrollment.

Key Takeaways

You become may be able to access for Medicare at age 65, with enrollment beginning three months before the month you turn 65.
People under 65 who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months become may be able to access for Medicare regardless of age.
People diagnosed with end-stage renal disease or ALS can draw Medicare when ready, without waiting for age or disability duration requirements.
Signing up late after your 65th birthday can result in permanent premium penalties on Part B and Part D coverage.
You do not have to be retired or stop working to draw Medicare at 65.

Medicare may be able to access at age 65 and when to sign up

Your enrollment window opens three months before the month you turn 65. This is called your Initial Enrollment Period, and it lasts seven months total: three months before, the month you turn 65, and three months after. If you miss this window, you can still sign up later, but you may face permanent premium increases.

You do not have to wait until you turn 65 to sign up. In fact, signing up early is the safest approach. You can enroll online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people sign up two to three months before their 65th birthday to may support coverage starts on time.

Your coverage can begin as early as the first day of the month you turn 65. If you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period, there is no gap. If you sign up after that window closes, there may be a delay before coverage starts, and you will owe a penalty.

People under 65 who can draw Medicare through disability

You can draw Medicare before age 65 if you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 consecutive months. The 24-month clock starts from the month you first received a disability payment, not from the month you applied. Once you have been on SSDI for 24 months, Medicare coverage begins automatically—you do not need to sign up separately.

The same rule applies if you receive Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) disability benefits. After 24 months of RRB disability payments, you become may be able to access for Medicare. Like SSDI, this coverage is automatic.

If you are under 65 and receiving SSDI or RRB benefits but have not yet reached the 24-month mark, you can still purchase Medicare coverage voluntarily. This is uncommon but possible if you want coverage before the automatic may be able to access date. Contact Social Security or the RRB to ask about this option.

People with end-stage renal disease or ALS

If you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD)—kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant—you become may be able to access for Medicare when ready, regardless of age. You do not have to wait 24 months or reach age 65. Your coverage can begin the first month of dialysis treatment or the month of your kidney transplant, whichever comes first.

People diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) also become may be able to access for Medicare right away, without age or duration requirements. Coverage begins the first month you are may be able to access for SSDI, even if you have not yet received a payment.

If you have ESRD or ALS, your doctor or dialysis center will help you understand the enrollment process. Medicare.gov also has specific resources for these conditions. Because these situations often involve urgent medical needs, the enrollment process is streamlined.

What happens if you miss your enrollment window

If you do not sign up for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) during your Initial Enrollment Period and you do not have other may have access to coverage, you will pay a permanent premium penalty. This penalty is 10 percent of the standard Part B premium for each full year you were may be able to access but not enrolled. The penalty stays with you for life, even if you sign up later.

The same permanent penalty applies to Part D (prescription drug coverage). If you go 63 days or more without Part D coverage and you do not have other may have access to drug coverage, you will pay a penalty when you finally sign up. This penalty is also permanent.

Part A (hospital insurance) does not carry a late enrollment penalty for most people, because most are may be able to access for it automatically without paying a premium. However, if you are not automatically may be able to access and you sign up late, you may pay a higher premium.

Working past age 65 and Medicare enrollment

You do not have to retire or stop working to draw Medicare at 65. Many people continue working full-time while enrolled in Medicare. Your work status does not affect your may be able to access or your coverage.

If you are still working and covered by your employer's health plan, you may be able to delay signing up for Medicare Part B without penalty. This is called creditable coverage. You must have a group health plan through your current employer (or your spouse's current employer) and be actively employed. Once you leave that job or lose that coverage, you have eight months to sign up for Part B without penalty.

Part A enrollment is still recommended even if you have employer coverage, because it is usually free for people 65 and older. Signing up for Part A does not affect your employer plan.

How to sign up for Medicare

You can sign up online at Medicare.gov, the official Medicare website. You will need your Social Security number and information about any current health coverage. The online process takes about 10 minutes and you receive confirmation when ready.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to sign up by phone. Representatives are available seven days a week, and the call is free. Have your Social Security number and health insurance information ready.

In person, visit your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest office at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring your Social Security card, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and information about any current coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I draw Medicare at 62 or 63?

No, unless you have been on SSDI for 24 months, have ESRD, or have ALS. For most people, 65 is the earliest age. If you are disabled and receiving SSDI, you may become may be able to access before 65 once you have been on SSDI for 24 months.

What if I turn 65 but I am still working and have health insurance through my job?

You can delay signing up for Part B without penalty if your employer plan is creditable coverage and you are actively employed. Once you leave the job or lose that coverage, you have eight months to sign up. Part A enrollment is still recommended because it is usually free.

Do I have to sign up for Medicare if I have VA benefits?

No, you are not required to sign up for Medicare if you have VA health benefits. However, many veterans sign up for both because they cover different services. Talk to your VA representative about whether Medicare makes sense for your situation.

What is the penalty for signing up late for Part B?

The penalty is 10 percent of the standard Part B premium for each full year you were may be able to access but not enrolled. This penalty is permanent and stays on your premium for life. If you were may be able to access at 65 and sign up at 70, you owe four years of penalties.

Can my spouse sign up for Medicare at 65 even if they have not worked?

Yes. You do not have to have worked to draw Medicare at 65. may be able to access is based on age, not work history. Your spouse becomes may be able to access at 65 regardless of whether they worked or paid into Social Security.

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.