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Eligibility Criteria for Medicare

Medicare is a government-run health insurance plan paid for by the public, mostly with employment taxes. Medicare is intended for retirement-age individuals, but some people meet Medicare eligibility criteria before the age of 65.

  1. Facts

    • Citizens of the U.S. automatically qualify for Medicare once they reach the age of 65, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. People with certain disabilities, such as permanent kidney failure, qualify at any age.

    Special Circumstances

    • People who live in the U.S. but are not legal citizens may qualify for Medicare, but it depends on numerous factors, such as if they have paid into the program. In addition, U.S. nationals who have not lived in the U.S. for at least 5 continuous years in their lifetime must contact a Medicare office to check on eligibility.

    Tip

    • You can use the online Medicare eligibility tool from the Department of Health and Human Services to determine if you qualify for Medicare. People with special situations should called the Social Security office at 800-772-1213.

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