Who is eligible for Medicare?
You may be eligible for Medicare if any of the following apply:
You’re 65 or older
Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65, regardless of income or medical history.
You’re under 65 and have a qualifying disability
Individuals who have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months are generally eligible.
You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
If you have permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, you may qualify at any age.
You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, individuals diagnosed with ALS automatically qualify for Medicare upon receiving SSDI.
What are the four parts of Medicare?
The four parts of Medicare include:
Part A
Hospital insurance: Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice and some healthcare. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they’ve worked 10+ years.
Part B
Medical insurance: Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventative services and durable medical equipment. A monthly premium is required for Part B.
Part C
Medicare Advantage: Offered by private insurance companies, these plans combine Parts A and B in place of Original Medicare.
Part D
Prescription drug coverage: Helps cover the cost of prescription drug medications as a supplement to other parts of Medicare.
When can you enroll?
There are several enrollment periods to be aware of:
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):
Begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and continues for three months after. This is your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B.
General Enrollment Period (GEP):
If you miss your IEP, you can enroll between January 1 and March 31 each year. Coverage begins July 1, and you may face a late enrollment penalty.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP):
If you’re still working and covered under an employer group health plan, you may delay enrollment without penalty. Once that coverage ends, you’ll have an eight-month SEP to enroll in Medicare.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP):
Each year from October 15 to December 7, you can review and make changes to your Medicare Advantage (Part C) or prescription drug (Part D) plans.
Get ready for a smooth enrollment
Medicare can feel overwhelming, but these tips can help you navigate enrollment as easily as possible.
Start early:
Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin reviewing your options before your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) to avoid missing deadlines or feeling rushed.
Compare plans annually:
Even if you're happy with your current plan, it may change next year. Reviewing options during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) ensures you're still in the best plan for you.
Look beyond premiums:
A low monthly premium doesn’t always mean lower overall costs. Consider copays, deductibles and the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum.
Watch for network changes:
Doctors and pharmacies can leave or join a plan’s network at any time. Reconfirm your providers are still in-network before re-enrolling.
Ask about coordination of care:
Some plans offer care coordination or case management for chronic conditions—valuable support if you have ongoing health needs.
Additional resources
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation for insurance.
PSM-20251626
