Can You Get Medicare at Age 64? Possibly. When you turn 65, you become eligible for Medicare. Often times, we get clients in Las Vegas, Nevada wondering if they can become eligible sooner. According to the Center for Medicare Advocacy, the Medicare program currently insures 52.3 million individuals. Of that 52.3 million, 8.8 million are under 65. So what makes an individual eligible for Medicare before their 65th birthday?
Medicare Under 65
There are certain situations that make Medicare available to you before the age of 65. If you are under 65 and currently receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) you are eligible to start receiving Medicare on the 25th month you receive your SSDI check. This is called the two year waiting period. You must be on SSDI for 24 months before you become eligible for Medicare. This also applies to individuals receiving disability from the Railroad Retirement Board. In both of these cases, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare on your 25th month.
You may start receiving Medicare before a 24 month waiting period if you have Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS. In this case, your Medicare will start the same month you start receiving your disability checks. You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. If you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD), you may qualify for Medicare before age 65 but would need to enroll yourself.
I’m not eligible for Medicare before I turn 65
If none of these circumstances apply to you, it’s still important to start thinking about Medicare enrollment before age 65. Signing up while your 64 can help your benefits to kick in immediately upon the month of your 65th birthday. For a step by step guide to getting started, visit Medicare.gov’s Getting Started with Medicare.
To avoid gaps in your coverage and Part B Late Enrollment penalty fees, it’s best to enroll 90-days prior to the month you turn 65. The only exception to this rule is if your birthday falls on the 1st of the month. If this applies to you, then your Medicare benefits will start one month before your birthday month. Even waiting until you turn 65 can give you a gap in your Part B coverage. If you don’t sign up when you’re first eligible you can only enroll during the annual enrollment period of January 1st-March 31st, however, your Medicare benefits will not begin until July 1st of that year.
It’s essential to take the time and get educated on your Medicare options. Starting the enrollment process when you’re 64 can ensure your Medicare kicks in the month you turn 65. Waiting will only you give you more months without coverage and could result in late enrollment fees you’d be paying as long as you have Medicare. At Accurate Choice Insurance we’re experts in matching the plan with the person. We know insurance can be intimidating, so we’re here to help guide you in determining your eligibility window.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about your Medicare eligibility, contact us at info@accuratechoiceins.com or 702-425-4100!