Getting Medicare Under the Age of 65, Many people think Medicare is a government health program for Americans and legal permanent residents (at least five years of age) at least 65 years of age. But some people are eligible for health insurance before age 65.

The most common ways to qualify for Medicare if you are under 65 years of age:

• You receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Railway Retirement Commission (RRB). You are automatically enrolled in original Part A and B health insurance benefits after 24 continuous months after receiving disability benefits.
• You have Lou Gehrig’s disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS). You are automatically enrolled in the health insurance plan the same month your disability benefits begin.
• You have terminal kidney disease (ESRD, which is a permanent kidney injury that requires regular dialysis or kidney transplantation). In this case, you may be eligible for Medicare, but you are not automatically enrolled. To register, contact Social Security (the information below).

You receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Railway Retirement Commission (RRB). You are automatically enrolled in original Part A and B health insurance benefits after 24 continuous months after receiving disability benefits. You have Lou Gehrig’s disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS). You are automatically enrolled in the health insurance plan the same month your disability benefits begin.

You have terminal kidney disease (ESRD, which is a permanent kidney injury that requires regular dialysis or kidney transplantation). In this case, you may be eligible for Medicare, but you are not automatically enrolled.

Read more:

• New to Medicare Enrollment Tips
• Medicare Part D Deductible Costs
• How Can I Find a Health-Care Provider Who Accepts a Medicare Plan from Humana?