Medicare Eligibility

Who is Eligible for Medicare?

You are eligible for Medicare if you are a citizen of the United States or have been a legal resident for at least 5 years and:

• You are age 65 or older and you or your spouse has worked for at least 10 years (or 40 quarters) in Medicare-covered employment.
• You are age 65 or older and you or your spouse has worked 30-39 quarters in Medicare-covered employment. You will pay a monthly premium for Part A ($244 in 2009) and Part B ($96.40 in 2009).
• You are age 65 or older and you or your spouse has worked 0-29 quarters in Medicare-covered employment. You must enroll as a voluntary enrollee and pay the full Part A monthly premium ($443 in 2009). Note: Low-income programs can help you pay these premiums if you meet the income and asset levels.
• You are younger than age 65 with a disability and have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Railroad Retirement disability payments for 24 months. Learn more.
• You have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — also known as Lou Gehrig's disease — and have received your first month of SSDI payments. Learn more.
• You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) — permanent kidney failure — and require dialysis or transplant. Learn more.

To find out if you qualify for Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.

See also:

• Medicare & Supplemental Coverage Eligibility if You Move Out of California
• Medicare Coverage if You Move Out of the United States
• Medicare Coverage if You Travel Outside the United States