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

Mark Bilgere · Answer

Individuals who are receiving SSDI benefits, and have been receiving them for 24 months are automatically enrolled in Medicare. Even if the person is under 65, their healthcare will come from Medicare.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on October 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK

Answered by Mark Bilgere Medicare Insurance Agent

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

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.

Voss Speros · Answer

Voss Speros here, Greek god of Medicare. Medicare is all Greek to you. You're in luck. I'm Greek. So the question today is who qualifies for Medicare under 65? If you're under 65 years old, you can get Medicare if you're on SSDI, Social Security Disability Income. Now make sure it's the right one, not SSI, SSDI for at least 24 months. So on the 25th month, you can qualify for Medicare. Also, if you're ESD or have end-stage renal disease, if you need dialysis, you can get Medicare early. If you have Lou Gehrig's disease, yes, you can get Medicare early. I think that's pretty much it. There might be one or two more, but those are the main ones. So remember, if you're under 65 and have a disability, make sure it's SSDI. Then you can qualify for Medicare ahead of time. If you have any questions, give us a call. We'd be more than happy to help. Have a great day.

Ann Sanfelippo · Answer

People under 65 can qualify for Medicare if they meet certain disability or medical conditions. The most common path is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, after which Medicare eligibility begins automatically through the Social Security Administration.

Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) can qualify sooner, often without the 24-month waiting period. Eligibility is based on medical condition and work history (or a qualifying family member’s work record).

These individuals receive Medicare coverage similar to those 65+, though plan options may vary.

John Becker · Answer

You can qualify for Medicare under 65 if you have a qualifying disability, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Individuals who have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months usually become eligible, while those with ESRD or ALS can get Medicare without a waiting period.

Answered by John Becker on October 10, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI & MN

Answered by John Becker Medicare Insurance Agent

Vincent Murray · Answer

Individuals under 65 can qualify for Medicare if you have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

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

David Wiley · Answer

If someone is disabled and receiving Social Security Disability Benefits for 24 months then they can be given Medicare. However, a Medicare Advantage plan is the best option as it can be as little as $0 premium whereas a Medigap plan is well over $1000/mo. if you are under age 65 and qualify for Medicare.

Answered by David Wiley on December 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA & NC

Answered by David Wiley Medicare Insurance Agent

Sherry Rose · Answer

People who have had disability benefits for 2 years or more, As well as End stage renal disease.

Please contact our office for any other questions or to set up an appointment.

Edward Wooten · Answer

If you are under 65 and have a disability you could qualify for Medicare coverage. If you are covered under a group health plan, the number of employees determines if the plan will pay primary or secondary.

Answered by Edward Wooten on December 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL & MO

Answered by Edward Wooten Medicare Insurance Agent

Paula Duffy · Answer

Members that are eligible for Social Security Disability for 24 months that are under 65 years of age. Also a child that is disable or End-Stage Renal Disease could receive Medicare based on their parents credits.

Answered by Paula Duffy on January 15, 2026

Agent Licensed in PA, FL, OH & WV

Answered by Paula Duffy Medicare Insurance Agent

Bill Green · Answer

People under 65 can qualify for Medicare if they meet certain disability or medical conditions. The most common path is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, after which Medicare eligibility begins automatically through the Social Security Administration.

Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) can qualify sooner, often without the 24-month waiting period. Eligibility is based on medical condition and work history (or a qualifying family member’s work record).

These individuals receive Medicare coverage similar to those 65+, though plan options may vary.

John Hose · Answer

Individuals under 65 who have been on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) coverage for 23 consecutive months qualify for Medicare Parts A&B after the 24th month.

Michael McGarrigle · Answer

Most people think Medicare is only for those 65 and older, but there are a few situations where someone can qualify earlier.

The most common is if someone has been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months—they’re automatically enrolled in Medicare after that waiting period.

There are also a couple of medical conditions that qualify someone sooner. People diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) can qualify for Medicare without waiting the full 24 months.

Each situation is a little different, especially when it comes to timing and how coverage starts, so it’s something we usually walk through on a case-by-case basis to make sure everything lines up correctly.

Joseph Lipski · Answer

In order to qualify for a Medicare advantage plan and you’re under 65 you have to be on Social Security disability.

Jeffrey Horn · Answer

People under 65 can qualify for Medicare if they have a qualifying disability, End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These exceptions allow younger individuals to access Medicare before the standard eligibility age of 65

Answered by Meghan Blankenship on November 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, MD & OH

Answered by Meghan Blankenship Medicare Insurance Agent

Amber Sigg · Answer

People under 65 qualify for Medicare if they are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI for at least 24 months; have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) that requires dialysis or a transplant or have (ALS) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (in this case Medicare would begin the same month disability benefits begin. Currently these are the cases where Medicare would kick in before 65.

Answered by Amber Sigg on December 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO & WY

Answered by Amber Sigg Medicare Insurance Agent

JP Richardson · Answer

Hello, there are three ways an individual under 65 can qualify for Medicare. The first is being on Social Security disability with Social Security disability income for 24 months, or having ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, or end-stage renal disease.

Doug Carlson · Answer

A person under 65 years old who qualifies for Medicare if they receive social security disability income for two years or has end-stage renal disease.

Sean Cusack · Answer

Hello, this is a great question. The people who qualify for medicare under 65, are people that have been on social secutiy disibility for 24 months and people with end stage renal disease.

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

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

Those that are residents of the United States that have been approved and received 24 months of disability payments, End Stage Renal Disease. Those are a couple of the ways. There's more. If they do get approved for Original Medicare, then look into Medicare Advantage plans.

Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO and PFFS) organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. 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.

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

Priscilla Ramos · Answer

People under 65 qualify for Medicare if they:

Receive Social Security Disability benefits for 24+ months
Have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)

Kris Moen · Answer

Under 65, Medicare isn’t about age—it’s about disability or serious health conditions. Most folks get there through Social Security disability after a waiting period.

Chad Watkins · Answer

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

Leslie Helene Sussman · Answer

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

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

Terry Salak · Answer

To qualify for Medicare under the age of 65 you would have to be approved for SSDI (Social Security Disability) and have been on SSDI for 24 months.  SSDI is determined by SSA.

Barbara Patterson, CFP · Answer

You qualify under 65 if you are on disability with Social Security and usually have been for 2 years and 2 months when you get your Medicare card. You do usually get immediate disability and Medicare immediately if you have ALS or ESRD.

Answered by Barbara Patterson, CFP on February 23, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Barbara Patterson, CFP Medicare Insurance Agent

Geney Ruesga · Answer

you would have to Quailfy Due to disability, and it is in your medical files for the last 24 month.  
You can then be applied for Part A & B of Medicare.

Erlynne (Elle) Massie · Answer

Medicare is a program that covers seniors over 65 as well as those who are disabled at any age.

The rules of Medicare state that after an individual has been on Social Security Disability for 24 months, they are automatically enrolled into Medicare in month 25.

This is a CMS rule, but in speaking to thousands of clients in my career, I have encountered many scenarios where there isn't "automatic" enrollment due to multiple factors that usually require a specific conversation with the Social Security Administration at minimum, and often their state's Medicaid office as well.

Lou Spatafore · Answer

You can qualify for Medicare under the age of 65 if you are disabled and have been on Social Security Disability Insurance for 2 years. Also if you have end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The waiting period is waived for these conditions. Medicare Part A will be premium free, however there is a premium for Part B.

Answered by Lou Spatafore on March 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in WV, FL, GA & 10 other states

Answered by Lou Spatafore 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).

Chris Vari · Answer

Younger than 65 with a
qualifying disability

Any age with a diagnosis
of end-stage renal disease

Jessica Breland · Answer

You can qualify for Medicare before 65 primarily through receiving Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months, having ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), or having End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or permanent kidney failure, with

A few common examples of ways you can qualify before age 65-- After receiving disability for 24 months or with certain health conditions like ESRD, ALS, kidney failure. I recommend contacting Social Security to apply.

Allison Chapman · Answer

People who qualify under 65 will need to have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or must be receiving disability benefits from Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement for atleast 24 months.

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.

Alyson Collins · Answer

An individual that can qualify if they have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or if they have been disabled for at least 24 months.

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

Meghan Blankenship · Answer

People under 65 can qualify for Medicare if they have a qualifying disability, End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These exceptions allow younger individuals to access Medicare before the standard eligibility age of 65

Answered by Meghan Blankenship on November 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, MD & OH

Marcie Barnes · Answer

Certain people who are disabled can qualify for Medicare after 25 months on disability.

People with end stage renal disease also qualify for Medicare.

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

Those who are under 65 are eligible for Medicare if they have been on disability for at least 24 months.

Mike Henry · Answer

Seniors under.   65 that qualify. Also coming off employees plans. Also if you coming offfmedicare advantage plans that qualify medically

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

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

Pat Papson · Answer

Hi..
Usually people who have been on disability for two years or more, and them people with certain health conditions.

Hope this helps..

Adam Ernst · Answer

That is a better question for Social Security. There are certain disabilities that qualify and there are certain work requirements that you must meet. Every situation is unique. Schedule an appt with SS and they will be able to help you.

Answered by Adam Ernst on December 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in NC, SC & TN

Answered by Adam Ernst Medicare Insurance Agent

Jamie Blake · Answer

You can qualify for Medicare before age 65 if you have a qualifying disability, Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

Julia Alves · Answer

Usually, an individual will qualify for Medicare Coverage before 65 IF they have certain medical conditions. This includes ALS, End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or if an individual is on Social Security Benefits or Railroad Retirement Benefits on the basis of disability for more than 24 months.
For ALS, the individual is qualified for Medicare as soon as the first month of receiving Social Security Benefits.
For ESRD, there are a couple of additional eligibility requirements necessary.

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 Tx, CO, IA & 9 other states

Answered by Alyssa Gonzales Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Plyler · Answer

Anyone who has been approved for Medicare Part A and Part B for disabilities. ESRD, or ALS conditions are what will qualify someone. Usually there is a 24 month waiting period for those who have received SSDI for 24 months after disability approval. ALS Is immediate

Answered by Larry Plyler on April 6, 2026

Broker Licensed in SC, NC & TN

Answered by Larry Plyler Medicare Insurance Agent

Krystal Hampton · Answer

Who qualifies for Medicare coverage if they're under 65? The only group of people that qualifies for Medicare coverage if they're under the age of 65 is if they are disabled and have been disabled for at least two years. That's the only group that can qualify for Medicare coverage if they're under the age of 65. So if you have a disability and you're getting Social Security Disability income and you have been getting that Social Security Disability income for at least two years, then you're able to qualify for Medicare. So I hope this helps.

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

Gregory Brown · Answer

Anyone who has been on disability for 2 years  or  more they would qualify, that is the only criteria

Ana V. Magalhaes · Answer

Hi, to qualify for Medicare under the age of 65 :

1 - being in disability for at least 24 months
2 - being disgnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease 
3 - being disgnosed with ALS


Be well.

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.

Annette Newman · Answer

Under 65, individuals qualify for Medicare if they meet one of these three criteria:

Disability: You have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months.

ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease): You qualify immediately the same month your disability benefits begin.

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): You have permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant.

In most cases, enrollment is automatic once the waiting period or diagnosis requirements are met.

Kyra Baldwin · Answer

You are only eligible for Medicare if:

1. You turn 65
2. Have been on disability for 2 consecutive years.
3. Have Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) or End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Rosanne Thompson · Answer

Individuals that qualify for Medicare under the age of 65 are individuals that have been on disability for at least 24 months.

Andrew Dooly · Answer

Some people can qualify for Medicare before age 65. The most common situation is if someone has received Social Security Disability Insurance for 24 months. People with End Stage Renal Disease or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) may also qualify for Medicare earlier.

Answered by Andrew Dooly on March 3, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC, CT, GA & 6 other states

Answered by Andrew Dooly 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

Shaneathia Armstrong · Answer

You can qualify for Medicare under 65 if you’ve been on disability for 24 months, have End-Stage Renal Disease, or have ALS.

Janelle Brown · Answer

Those that are under 65 can qualify for Medicare if they have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, or if they have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). 

In these circumstances eligibility begins earlier than the standard age 65 requirement.

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

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)

Diondra Newton · Answer

Individuals that are disabled, have ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, and those that have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) may be eligible for Medicare under the age of 65. Specific timeframes and disability statuses apply, so contact Medicare or your local agent to assist with determining your qualification for Medicare before the age of 65.

Answered by Diondra Newton on March 10, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Diondra Newton Medicare Insurance Agent

Becky Subramanian · Answer

Individuals on disability who have received the Social Security Disability Insurance for at least 24 months are eligible to sign up for Medicare before the age of 65. Other individuals under 65 that can receive Medicare are those diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS). These individuals qualify for Medicare immediately upon receiving the diagnosis but may have to apply through the Social Security office fortheir benefits.

Answered by Becky Subramanian on April 28, 2026

Broker Licensed in AZ, NV & UT

Answered by Becky Subramanian Medicare Insurance Agent

Lorraine Reeves · Answer

Those who are under the age of 65 can still qualify for benefits if they have a disability or other qualifying condition

Emily Gelatt · Answer

Those who have been deemed disabled receive Medicare after 24 months of being deemed disabled under age 65

Alison Grice · Answer

You can qualify for Medicare coverage under the age of 65 if you been getting social security disability benefits for 24 months, if you have end-stage renal disease, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

Jose Gloria · Answer

Some individuals with certain conditions will qualify for Medicare such as: People with Lou Gerhrig's disease, End stage renal disease, and individuals who have been on Social Security Disability for at least 24 consecutive months