Medicare Eligibility

Jump to a section:

• Who is eligible for Medicare?
• Medicare checklist
• When can I enroll
• Changing your current Medicare coverage

Before you get started, here are some important words you should know:

When can I enroll in Medicare?

If you are turning 65 and will be eligible, you have seven months to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Your Medicare enrollment timeline includes:

• Three months before the month of your 65th birthday.
• The month of your 65th birthday.
• Three months after the month of your 65th birthday.

If you currently get your health care benefits through your employer, make sure to talk to your employer. Your employer can help you understand what you need to do before you retire.

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Who is eligible for Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States. You must also meet at least one of the following conditions: 

• You are age 65 or older. 
• You are under age 65 with certain disabilities. 
• You have permanent kidney failure, requiring dialysis. 

Not everyone qualifies the same way. Keep reading for more details based on age, disability status, and retirement. 

What age can you get Medicare? 

Most people can get Medicare when they turn 65 years old. This includes Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (doctor). You can sign up as soon as three months before your 65th birthday. 

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Medicare Checklist

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What if I am already enrolled in a Medicare plan and need to change my coverage?

If you are already enrolled in Medicare, there are only certain times of the year when you can change your Medicare Advantage coverage. 

• Annual Enrollment Period: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 You can add or drop Part D prescription drug coverage, change to a Medicare Advantage plan, or change to Original Medicare. Your coverage will be effective Jan. 1. 
• Special Enrollment Period: Varies. You can change your Medicare coverage following a qualifying life event. Your coverage will be effective the first of the next month. 
• Open Enrollment Period: Jan. 1 – March 31 If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make ONE change to your coverage. You can add or drop Part D prescription drug coverage or change to a different Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare. Your coverage will be effective the first of the next month. 
• Lock-in Period:  
  • April 1 – Oct. 14  
  • Dec. 8 – Dec. 31  
  • You cannot make a plan change after March 31 unless you qualify for a Special Election Period (SEP) or have Medical Assistance coverage. 

Learn more about when to enroll

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