Medicare Eligibility
May 20, 2026
Quick Answer: Who Qualifies for Medicare
You're eligible for Medicare at age 65 if you're a U.S. citizen or legal resident of 5+ years. Younger seniors and adults can also qualify after 24 months on Social Security Disability (SSDI), or immediately with ESRD or ALS — no age requirement.
Eligibility questions seniors ask most
- Can I get Medicare before 65?
- Yes — after 24 months of SSDI benefits, or immediately with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).
- Do I need 10 years of work to qualify?
- 10 years (40 quarters) of Medicare-taxed work gives you premium-free Part A. With fewer quarters you can still get Medicare — you'll just pay a Part A premium.
- Can I qualify through my spouse's work record?
- Yes. If your spouse worked 40+ quarters and you're 65 and married for at least 1 year, you can qualify for premium-free Part A on their record.
- Does income affect eligibility?
- Income doesn't change eligibility, but higher-income enrollees pay an income-related surcharge (IRMAA) on Part B and Part D premiums.
- What if I'm not yet a U.S. citizen?
- Legal permanent residents who've lived in the U.S. continuously for 5+ years can typically buy in to Medicare at 65.
Medicare eligibility — the short version.
Most people qualify at 65. Some qualify earlier through disability, ESRD, or ALS. Here is who, and what to do if you fall outside the main rule.
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Age 65 — the main path
You qualify for Medicare when you turn 65 if you (or your spouse) worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. That gives you premium-free Part A and standard Part B.
See our Turning 65 timeline for the 7-month enrollment window.
Before 65 — disability
You qualify for Medicare before 65 if you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months. There is a 24-month waiting period after disability onset, except for ALS and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
- ALS: Medicare starts the first month you receive SSDI.
- ESRD: Medicare starts the fourth month of dialysis (or earlier with home dialysis or a kidney transplant).
If you did not pay in long enough
You can still buy Part A by paying a monthly premium. The amount depends on how many quarters of Medicare-covered employment you have. You also need to enroll in Part B in this case.
Some people qualify for help paying premiums through the Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy). See your state's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Spouse and former spouse rules
If you do not have enough work history, you may still qualify for premium-free Part A based on your current spouse's, former spouse's, or deceased spouse's work record. Rules vary; check with Social Security.