Medicare eligibility

Who is eligible for Medicare

People in the following categories are eligible for Medicare:

People age 65 and older who are citizens or legal residents of the United States and who have worked (or their spouse has worked) for at least 10 years (or 40 quarters) in Medicare-covered employment.
People who have worked 30 to 39 quarters are eligible and can enroll in Medicare, but they will pay a monthly premium for Part A ($233 in 2008), as well as the Part B premium ($96.40 in 2008).
People with disabilities who are younger than age 65 and who have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Railroad Retirement disability payments for 24 months. For more information, see the Disabilities section.
People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) — permanent kidney failure — requiring dialysis or a transplant. For more information, see the Disabilities section.
People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease), beginning with the first month of Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) payments. For more information, see the Disabilities section.
If you are 65 or older and you do not qualify for Medicare under the categories above, you may still be able to enroll. If you are a U.S. citizen or a legal resident who has been in the United States for 5 years, you may enroll in Medicare as a "voluntary enrollee." You will have to pay monthly premiums that do not apply to people who qualify under the categories listed above. (Limited income programs can help you pay these premiums if you meet the income and asset levels.)

To find out whether you qualify for Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213.