Medicare Eligibility
Updated September 2026 · 2026 figures from CMS and Medicare.gov
You're eligible for Medicare if you're 65 or older and a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the US for at least 5 continuous years. You can qualify earlier after 24 months of Social Security disability benefits, or if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or ALS.
Ways to qualify
| Situation | When Medicare starts |
|---|---|
| Age 65 | The first day of your birthday month (the month before, if your birthday is on the 1st), if you sign up in time |
| Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits | Automatically after 24 months of benefits |
| ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) | Automatically the month your disability benefits start |
| End-stage renal disease | Usually the 4th month of dialysis, or earlier with home dialysis training or a transplant |
Eligibility for premium-free Part A
You get Part A without a premium if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (about 10 years). Divorced people can use an ex-spouse's record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and they haven't remarried; widows and widowers can use a late spouse's record. With 30–39 quarters, Part A costs $311 a month in 2026; with fewer than 30, $565.
Eligibility for Part B
Anyone eligible for premium-free Part A can get Part B by paying the monthly premium. So can people 65+ who are citizens or 5-year lawful permanent residents even without enough work history.
Eligibility for Parts C and D
- Medicare Advantage: you need Parts A and B and must live in the plan's service area.
- Part D: you need Part A and/or Part B and must live in the plan's area.
Eligibility questions people ask
- Do I have to be retired? No. Medicare eligibility is separate from retirement or claiming Social Security.
- Does my income matter? Not for eligibility, but it can raise your Part B and D premiums through IRMAA and can qualify you for a Medicare Savings Program.
- Is my spouse covered by my Medicare? No. Each person has their own Medicare, though a spouse's work record can give premium-free Part A.
Next step: how to apply for Medicare.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for Medicare?
People 65+ who are US citizens or 5-year lawful permanent residents, and younger people after 24 months of disability benefits or with ESRD or ALS.
How many work credits do you need for Medicare?
40 quarters (about 10 years) for premium-free Part A, on your own or your spouse's record.
Can I get Medicare if I never worked?
Yes, if you're 65+ and meet the citizenship or residency rules, but you'll pay a premium for Part A unless a spouse's record qualifies you.
Is my spouse covered by my Medicare?
No. Every person qualifies and enrolls individually.