Medicare Eligibility & Enrollment
Understand who may qualify for Medicare, when to enroll, and the decisions to prepare for before coverage begins.
Typical eligibilityAge 65, certain disabilities, ESRD, or ALS
First enrollment windowUsually a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period
Start hereConfirm timing with Social Security or Medicare
Who may qualify
- Most people become eligible around age 65.
- Some people qualify before 65 after receiving disability benefits for the required period.
- People with End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS may qualify under special rules.
Your first enrollment period
- The Initial Enrollment Period generally begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.
- Enrollment timing can affect when coverage begins and whether late penalties apply.
- People with qualifying employer coverage may have a Special Enrollment Period.
Before you enroll
- Check whether you are automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B.
- Review how Medicare works with employer, retiree, VA, TRICARE, or Medicaid coverage.
- Decide between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and consider drug coverage.
Important: Eligibility and enrollment rules depend on your individual situation. Confirm dates and requirements with Medicare.gov or Social Security.
For complete and current information, review Medicare.gov and official plan documents.