The Age You Can Start Collecting Medicare and How to Prepare

You can start Medicare at age 65, or earlier if you have a disability or end-stage renal disease

Medicare may be able to access begins at age 65 for most people. You do not have to wait until you retire—the age is what matters. If you are already receiving Social Security disability benefits, you become may be able to access for Medicare at age 65 regardless of when you started those benefits. If you have end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant), you may be may be able to access before 65; the same applies if you have ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

You do not automatically receive Medicare when you turn 65. You must sign up during your enrollment window, which opens three months before the month you turn 65 and closes three months after. Missing this window can result in late enrollment penalties that increase your premiums permanently.

Key Takeaways

Medicare begins at age 65, and you must sign up during the seven-month window that starts three months before your 65th birthday.
If you are already on Social Security disability, you automatically transition to Medicare at 65 without needing to sign up again.
People under 65 with end-stage renal disease or ALS may be may be able to access for Medicare before reaching retirement age.
Signing up late carries permanent penalties on your Part B and Part D premiums unless you have a may have access to reason for the delay.
You can sign up online through Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or in person at your local Social Security office.

How the enrollment window works and why it matters

Your enrollment window is seven months long: it opens on the first day of the third month before you turn 65 and closes on the last day of the third month after. If you turn 65 in June, your window runs from March 1 through September 30. During this time, you can sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) without penalty.

If you do not sign up during this window, you will pay a permanent 10 percent increase on your Part B premium for each full year you delayed. This penalty stays with you for life. Part D (prescription drug coverage) carries a similar penalty: 1 percent of the national base premium for each month you were without coverage. These penalties do not go away if you sign up later.

The only exception is if you were covered by a group health plan through your own job or your spouse's job when you turned 65. In that case, you have eight months after your coverage ends to sign up without penalty. You will need to show proof of that coverage when you enroll.

What happens if you are already on Social Security disability

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you do not need to sign up for Medicare separately. You automatically transition to Medicare on the first day of the month you turn 65. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail before your birthday.

This automatic enrollment covers Part A and Part B. However, you still need to sign up for Part D (prescription drug coverage) if you want it, or you will face the late enrollment penalty. You can sign up for Part D during the same seven-month window as anyone else, or during the annual enrollment period from October 15 through December 7.

Early Medicare may be able to access for specific conditions

You may be may be able to access for Medicare before 65 if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This means your kidneys function at less than 15 percent of normal capacity and you need dialysis or a transplant. You become may be able to access for Medicare the first month you begin dialysis or the month you have a kidney transplant, whichever comes first. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen, but you must be a permanent resident or have a valid visa.

If you have ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), you become may be able to access for Medicare the first month you are approved for Social Security disability benefits. Unlike ESRD, there is no waiting period—your Medicare coverage begins when ready when your disability is approved.

If you have ESRD or ALS and are under 65, you still need to sign up for Medicare. Contact Social Security or Medicare directly to understand your enrollment window, as it differs from the standard age-65 process.

How to sign up for Medicare

You can sign up online at Medicare.gov by creating an account and completing the enrollment form. This is the fastest method and you can do it from home. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and information about any current health coverage.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to sign up by phone. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number and current insurance information ready.

If you prefer to sign up 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 proof of age (birth certificate or passport).

What to do if you miss your enrollment window

If you miss your initial enrollment window and do not have a may have access to reason, you can still sign up during the General Enrollment Period, which runs January 1 through March 31 each year. Coverage begins July 1 of that year. However, you will pay the permanent late enrollment penalty on Part B and Part D premiums.

A may have access to reason—called a "Special Enrollment Period"—can waive the penalty. These include losing employer coverage, moving out of your plan's service area, or becoming a U.S. citizen. If you believe you have a may have access to reason, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to discuss your situation. You will need to provide documentation of the may have access to event.

Understanding Medicare Parts and what each covers

Medicare has four parts. Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical equipment. Part B requires a monthly premium, which varies by income.

Part D covers prescription drugs and requires a separate sign-up. Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Parts A and B offered by private insurance companies. It usually includes prescription drug coverage and may offer additional benefits like dental or vision, but it has different rules about which doctors and hospitals you can use.

You must have Part A and Part B to enroll in Part C. You do not have to choose Part C—you can stay with Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and add Part D separately. Both approaches are valid; the choice depends on your health needs and which doctors you want to see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to retire at 65 to get Medicare?

No. Medicare may be able to access is based on age, not retirement status. You can continue working and still sign up for Medicare at 65. If you are covered by a group health plan through your job, you may be able to delay Part B enrollment without penalty, but you should contact Medicare to confirm your situation.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident who has lived in the United States for at least five consecutive years to be may be able to access for Medicare at 65. If you have end-stage renal disease, the rules are different—you may be may be able to access without citizenship if you have a valid visa and meet other requirements. Contact Medicare for your specific situation.

Can I sign up before I turn 65?

Your enrollment window opens three months before your 65th birthday, so yes, you can sign up early. In fact, signing up as soon as your window opens is a good idea to avoid missing the important date. You cannot sign up more than three months before your birthday.

What happens to my employer health insurance when I turn 65?

You do not have to drop your employer coverage when you turn 65. You can keep both Medicare and employer coverage. However, Medicare becomes your primary payer once you are enrolled. Tell your employer's benefits department that you have Medicare so they can coordinate coverage correctly.

Will I owe a penalty if I delay Part B but sign up for Part A?

Yes. Part A and Part B are separate, and missing the enrollment window for Part B results in a penalty even if you sign up for Part A on time. The only exception is if you were covered by a group health plan through work when you turned 65.

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.