Eligibility

Most individuals age 65 or older who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. are eligible for “Premium Free” Medicare Part A.

You are eligible at 65 if:

  • You receive or are eligible to receive Social Security
  • You receive or are eligible to receive railroad retirement
  • Your living, deceased or divorced spouse is at least age 62 and is eligible to receive Social Security*
  • *Other stipulations apply for eligibility under divorced spouses

Before age 65, you are eligible for Medicare if:

  • You have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for 24 months
  • You receive a disability pension from the railroad retirement board and meet certain conditions
  • You have Lou Gehrig’s disease or ESRD