Medicare Age
Updated September 2026 · 2026 figures from CMS and Medicare.gov
The Medicare eligibility age is 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period runs for 7 months: the 3 months before the month you turn 65, your birthday month and the 3 months after. You can get Medicare before 65 only through disability, ESRD or ALS.
Your 7-month window around 65
| If you sign up… | Coverage starts |
|---|---|
| In the 3 months before your birthday month | The first day of your birthday month |
| In your birthday month | The first day of the next month |
| In the 3 months after | The first day of the month after you sign up |
Sign up early to avoid a gap. If your birthday is on the 1st of the month, everything moves one month earlier.
Medicare age vs Social Security full retirement age
The Medicare age stayed at 65 even though Social Security's full retirement age is now 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. That means many people must sign up for Medicare on their own, because they aren't yet receiving Social Security and won't be enrolled automatically. See how to apply.
Working past 65
- Employer with 20 or more employees: your group plan pays first. You can usually delay Part B without penalty and sign up within 8 months of the job or coverage ending. Many people take premium-free Part A at 65 anyway (but not if contributing to an HSA).
- Employer with fewer than 20 employees: Medicare usually pays first, so you generally need Parts A and B at 65.
- COBRA or retiree coverage doesn't count as current employment: delaying Part B because of it can mean a late penalty.
Getting Medicare before 65
- After 24 months of Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits (automatic)
- With ALS, from the month disability benefits start
- With end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or a transplant
All Medicare enrollment periods
| Enrollment period | Dates | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment Period | 7 months: 3 months before your 65th-birthday month, that month, and 3 months after | Sign up for Parts A and B, and join a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan |
| General Enrollment Period | January 1 – March 31 | Sign up for Part A/B if you missed your window; coverage starts the next month; late penalties may apply |
| Special Enrollment Period | Up to 8 months after job-based coverage (or the job) ends | Sign up for Part B without a penalty |
| Annual Open Enrollment | October 15 – December 7 | Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or change drug plans; changes start January 1 |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | January 1 – March 31 | If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan: switch to another one, or go back to Original Medicare |
| Medigap Open Enrollment | 6 months from the month you're 65+ and have Part B | Buy any Medigap policy sold in your state with no medical questions |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Medicare age?
65, for everyone. It is not rising with the Social Security full retirement age.
Can I get Medicare at 62?
Only if you qualify through disability, ESRD or ALS. Otherwise the earliest age is 65.
When should I sign up for Medicare?
In the 3 months before your 65th-birthday month, so coverage starts on the 1st of that month.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare at 65 if I'm still working?
Not always. With employer coverage from a company of 20+ employees you can usually delay Part B without penalty.