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?

Generally, you can enroll in Medicare if you are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States and turning 65. 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:

• Be age 65 or older, or
• Be under age 65 with certain disabilities, or
• Have permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis.

Are you turning 65 or retiring soon?

If you are turning 65 or retiring soon, there is something important you should do: Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Your age and retirement date determine whether you are eligible for a Medicare plan. These factors may affect when you can enroll in Medicare.

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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.

Learn more about when to enroll

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Next Steps