What Age can I apply for Medicare?

The age at which you can apply for Medicare depends on the specific parts of Medicare you are interested in. Here are the general age requirements:

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance):

• You can apply for Medicare Part A at age 65 or older if you or your spouse have worked and paid Medicare taxes (FICA) for at least 10 years (40 quarters). Most people do not pay a premium for Medicare Part A if they or their spouse meet these requirements.
• If you don't meet the work history requirement, you may still be eligible for Medicare Part A but may have to pay a premium.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance):

• You can also apply for Medicare Part B at age 65 or older. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and other medical expenses.
• Like Part A, you can apply for Part B if you or your spouse have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. There is a monthly premium for Part B, and the amount may vary depending on your income.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage):

• Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are offered by private insurance companies and are available to individuals who are already enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
• You can apply for a Medicare Advantage Part C when you first become eligible for Medicare (typically at age 65) or during the annual enrollment period, which usually occurs from October 15th to December 7th each year.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage):

• You can apply for coverage for prescription drugs with the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan at age 65 or older, or when you first become eligible for Medicare.
• Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies and can be added to your Original Medicare coverage (Part A and Part B) or included in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).

It's important to note that some individuals may be eligible for Medicare before age 65 if they have certain disabilities or medical conditions. People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) can qualify for Medicare regardless of age.

To apply for basic Medicare Parts A & B coverage, you can follow the application process by contacting the Social Security Administration by applying online, by phone, or in person during your Initial Enrollment Period.

After you have applied via Social Security Administration for Original Medicare Parts A & B, you will then have the option to obtain more comprehensive benefits through a Medicare Advantage Plan, or if you want to keep Original Medicare, you will want to purchase a Stand-alone Part D prescription drug policy, provided by a CMS / Medicare-approved carrier. The same can be said regarding a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Original Medicare ONLY) through a state-licensed health insurance Agent or an individual insurance carrier.