Medicare Age Rules

Medicare is not just for older people, although the government program provides medical insurance to most individuals over age 65. Certain illnesses may qualify you for Medicare even if you are younger than age 65; long-term disability is a common qualifier. There also are circumstances in which children qualify for Medicare.

Coverage

• The Medicare program has four parts: Part A is hospitalization; Part B is medical care; Part C is Medicare Advantage coverage; Part D is prescription drug coverage. Part A is free to individuals at age 65 who have sufficient work history and have paid into the Medicare system. The cost can be as high as $461 a month in 2010 if you do not have sufficient work credits to qualify otherwise. If you qualify for Part A, you may choose to pay for Part B. The 2011 cost is about $115 for Part B coverage. Your income level also may increase the cost of Part B.

Illnesses

• If you have end-stage renal disease or kidney failure requiring dialysis, you may qualify for Medicare at any age. Your child or spouse may be eligible for Medicare based on your work history if the child has kidney failure, dialysis or a kidney transplant. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is another specific illness that qualifies an individual for Medicare regardless of age.

Disability

• Individuals who receive Social Security disability for a minimum of 24 months qualify for Medicare. A disability annuity from the Railroad Retirement Board qualifies an individual for Medicare Part A after a waiting period. Survivor benefits also include Medicare for disabled spouses and disabled children of deceased workers after 24 months. If you are a disabled widow or widower between age 50 and 65, you may be entitled to Medicare even if you do not collect Social Security disability.

Employment

• Federal, state or local government jobs often have disability programs tied to Medicare benefits. Once you meet the requirements for Social Security disability, you may qualify for Medicare.

Age 65

• If you have sufficient work history to receive Social Security benefits, you may apply and qualify for Medicare at age 65. You do not have to collect Social Security to receive Medicare. Social Security recipients applying for benefits in 2011 reach full retirement age at 66, but Medicare is available at age 65. You must apply for Medicare within a seven-month window of your 65th birthday to avoid penalties. You have three months prior to your birthday month, your birthday month and three months after your birthday month to apply for first-time Medicare benefits.