Who qualifies for Medicare coverage if they are under 65?

Question

Brian Moore · Accepted Answer

If you’re under the age of 65 and have a disability, you may qualify for Medicare coverage. A qualifying disability is almost any health condition that prevents you from being able to work enough to access employer-sponsored health care benefits. Before you can enroll in Medicare, you must receive Social Security Disability Insurance for two years. If you have end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, that 24-month waiting period is waived.

Answered by Brian Moore on February 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

Those that Medicare has approved for Part A and B. 
Of course, there are always other insurance coverages available outside the traditional Medicare system.

William Lawler · Answer

A person under 65 can qualify for Medicare if they are disabled. If they have been disabled for 24 months, they will automatically be enrolled in Medicare in the 25th month. 

Bill Lawler                 636-500-1892

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

Anyone who qualifies for Medicare disability 
You have an open enrollment period and you have another enrollment period at age 65

Bill Green · Answer

People under 65 can qualify for Medicare if they meet certain conditions. The most common reason is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months. Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who require dialysis or a kidney transplant can qualify without waiting 24 months. Those diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) qualify for Medicare immediately after they start receiving SSDI benefits. Some people may also qualify through a spouse’s work history, even if they haven’t worked enough themselves. It’s always a good idea to speak with a knowledgeable Medicare agent to understand your specific eligibility and coverage options.

Answered by Bill Green on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 19 other states

Answered by Bill Green Medicare Insurance Agent

Alyssa Gonzales · Answer

You can qualify for Medicare if you've been on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, have ALS (you get Medicare right away), or have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and meet certain treatment criteria. It's not super common but you have options if you have one of the mentioned conditions.

Answered by Alyssa Gonzales on July 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, CO, IA & 9 other states

Answered by Alyssa Gonzales Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

When an underage person has been declared officially by a State or Federal agency as being disabled, no matter what age you are, as long as 2 years have elapsed, this is a legitimate reason to apply & qualify for Medicare. The only caveat is that you can only purchase a Med. Advantage plan that includes your drug coverage. However, when you eventually turn age 65, you'll have the right to acquire a Med. Supplement plan, aka, a Medigap, if that plan is more suitable to you.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Houchens · Answer

Anyone disabled for 24 months become eligible for Medicare at that time which gives you a guaranteed issue time frame for a Medicare Supplement although the premiums are generally higher for clients under 65, and when you reach 65 you will be given another guaranteed issue period and then qualify for regular rates

Answered by Steve Houchens on April 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Leslie Helene Sussman · Answer

Please refer back to a previous question on Social Security and Disability.     Disability for 2 years qualifies for Medicare benefits.

Chad Watkins · Answer

You can qualify for Medicare under the age of 65 if you have been on disability for at least 24 months.

Hannah Skinner · Answer

You can qualify for Medicare under age 65 if you have End-Stage Renal Disease, or have received Social Security Disability benefits for at least two years. To see if you qualify for Social Security Disability Income, please refer to www.ssa.gov.

Answered by Hannah Skinner on July 31, 2025

Agent Licensed in SC, AL, AR & 44 other states

Answered by Hannah Skinner Medicare Insurance Agent

Cindy Clonts · Answer

If you are on Social Security disability you will automatically qualify for Medicare after 2 years.  Also, if you have End Stage Renal Disease or Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).

Ryan Raphael · Answer

A person under the age of 65 can qualify for Medicare if they have a disability, ALS, or end-stage renal failure.

Fred Manas · Answer

Individuals under 65 can qualify for Medicare if they have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for at least 24 months, or if they have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Some individuals with ALS may be automatically enrolled in Medicare, while those with ESRD need to actively sign up. 
Elaboration:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
If you are under 65 and have been receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months, you are eligible for Medicare Parts A and B, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). 
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS):
Individuals with ALS are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B the month their disability benefits begin, says the CMS. 
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD):
If you have ESRD, you are eligible for Medicare Parts A and B regardless of age, but you need to actively enroll when you first become eligible, states the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Individuals under 65 can qualify for Medicare coverage if they have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). If they are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, they are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B after receiving benefits for 24 months. If they have ESRD or ALS, they are also eligible for Medicare.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on May 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Jack Mayer · Answer

Those under 65 who qualify and become eligible for Medi-Cal and Medicare and typically have a disability and on low income subsidies

Linda Bolan · Answer

There are certain individuals that would qualify for Medicare.  Individuals who have Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for 24 months are eligible for Medicare.  Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease and Individuals with ALS.

It's important to understand that receiving Supplemental Security Income along does not qualify someone for Medicare.  The Social Security Administration handles Medicare enrollment, so they are the best resource for detailing eligibility information.

Hector Vazquez · Answer

Individuals receiving social security disability insurance benefits or some railroad retirement board (RRB) disability benefits recipients for at least 24 months, individuals with end-stage renal disease (eligibility based on situation) and people with ALS after 24 months of disability benefits.

Answered by Hector Vazquez on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL & TX

Answered by Hector Vazquez Medicare Insurance Agent

Adriana De la Cruz · Answer

Generally, you must be 65 or older to qualify for Medicare. However, there are exceptions. If you're under 65, you might be eligible if you have a disability or certain medical conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS.

Answered by Adriana De la Cruz on May 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ, CA & NM

Answered by Adriana De la Cruz Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Sosso · Answer

Those who have End Stage Renal disease (ESRD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or have a disability and have received SSI disablity for 24 months.

Nina Besant · Answer

Those under 65 can qualify for Medicare Coverage when certain conditions apply. Typically, one of three things: 
1. You have a disability and have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months. 
2. You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
3. You have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)

Phyllis Dixon · Answer

The most accurate information is in this document, which mentions starting on page 3 who is eligible including those under 65 special requirements
https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10043.pdf

Jennifer Kalbach · Answer

Medicare covers folks under 65 if you have received SSI for a disability for at least 24 months then you are generally enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. End Stage Renal Disease at an age if you have permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant. Then Lou Gehrig's Disease otherwise known as ALS, if diagnosed then you are immediately eligible upon receiving SSI Disability benefits. As always, speak to a agent directly about your own personal situation.

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach on July 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach Medicare Insurance Agent

Who qualifies for Medicare coverage if they are under 65?

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