When Does a Person Receive Medicare?

The Medicare health insurance system is a government-subsidized program that provides a health coverage option for certain groups of people. Medicare has a two-part structure, which includes hospital benefits and medical insurance benefits. A person can receive Medicare benefits in cases where certain disabilities exist or when a person reaches the age of 65.

Retirement Age

• Within the United States, a person becomes eligible for retirement benefits as of the age of 65. According to Medicare.gov, individuals who have worked 10 years or more and contributed payroll taxes become eligible for Medicare benefits at retirement age. A person receives Medicare's hospital benefit, also known as Part A, automatically and at no additional cost. Medicare's medical insurance benefit, also known as Part B, involves an enrollment process and requires an additional monthly premium payment. An employee's spouse can also receive Medicare coverage in cases where a person is employed by the government. (see Reference 1)

Disability Status

• People between the ages of 18 and 64 can receive Medicare benefits in cases where a physical or mental disability hampers their ability to work, according to the California Health Advocates resource site. Prior to becoming eligible for Medicare, a person must receive Social Security disability benefits, which provides a monthly income for disabled individuals. Monthly income amounts are based on the number of work credits a person has earned in terms of hours worked and wage earned. People who receive Social Security Disability Income must wait an additional 29 months after receiving their first check before Medicare benefits start.

Health Conditions

• Exceptions to the Medicare disability requirement apply in cases where a person suffers from Lou Gehrig's disease or end-stage renal disease, according to California Health Advocates. Lou Gehrig's disease appears as a degenerative condition that affects the central nervous system. End-stage renal disease occurs when the body's liver becomes unable to filter out toxins. Individuals with Lou Gehrig's can start receiving Medicare benefits as soon as a month after their first Social Security disability check arrives. Individuals who suffer from end-stage renal disease become eligible three months after their first dialysis treatment regardless of whether they receive Social Security Disability Income or not.

Railroad Retirement System

• The railroad retirement system works in conjunction with the Medicare system and follows many of the same rules and procedures. According to the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, individuals who work for the railroad system can receive Medicare benefits upon the age of 65, though the Railroad Retirement Board handles the actual administration of Medicare benefits. Individuals who apply for Medicare Part B make their premium payments to the Board rather than directly to Medicare. Railroad employees who receive Social Security Disability Income also qualify for Medicare benefits once the 29-month waiting period has passed. Exceptions for people suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease and end-stage renal disease also apply under the railroad retirement system.