Medicare Age Qualifications

Medicare is a government-issued health insurance program that helps more than 40 million people throughout the United States get the health care that they need but otherwise might not be able to afford. If you're looking into getting Medicare for yourself or a family member, there are a few age restrictions that determine who qualifies for the program.

General Eligibility

• Typically, in order to qualify for Medicare you have to be a United States citizen and be over the age of 65. Once you reach age 65, you will automatically qualify to receive Medicare benefits.

Disabilities

• If you are legally disabled, then you may qualify for Medicare benefits before you reach the age of 65. In order to receive benefits, you will have to first be declared officially disabled by your doctor and the government. Once this occurs, you can then apply for Medicare benefits.

Renal Disease

• You qualify for Medicare at any age if you have end-stage renal disease, which is permanent kidney failure being treated with dialysis or a transplant.

Retirement

• In general, if you qualify for retirement benefits from the government, then you will more than likely also qualify for Medicare benefits. If you don't qualify for retirement benefits, however, you still might qualify for Medicare benefits based on other factors, such as your income or the type of illness you may have.

Social Security

• If you've received social security or railroad retirement board disability benefits for 24 months, then you will more than likely qualify for Medicare benefits no matter what age you are.