Enrollment in Medicare is traditionally known to be reserved for people who are 65 or older.
Many marketing programs and educational tools surrounding Medicare target seniors who are turning 65 and help them transition from retiring and losing an employer plan.
But what happens if you are younger than 65? Do you qualify for Medicare?
The answer is yes.
In this article, the requirements to enroll in Medicare if you are younger than age 65 will be outlined, and how to enroll will be covered.
Who qualifies?
When Medicare was created it was originally intended to provide health insurance coverage for seniors 65 and older. However, over time it has also expanded to people with certain health conditions.
People who are diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) can qualify for Medicare if they are under age 65. You can also qualify if you are currently receiving disability benefits and are under 65.
End-Stage Renal Disease
To qualify for Medicare if you have ESRD, you must have proof that your kidneys do not work, you are on full-time dialysis, and you are eligible for a kidney transplant. If you believe you meet these criteria, you can contact the Social Security office directly and enroll in Medicare Parts A and B.
Because of your age and if you are not working due to your condition, you may have been offered COBRA to maintain your health insurance coverage. In this case, there are actually requirements for filing claims.
If you do get approved for Medicare and would like to keep COBRA, COBRA will be your primary insurance and Medicare will be your secondary insurance and you can maintain this arrangement for 30 months. After that, Medicare will become your primary health insurance provider.
It should be noted that this arrangement is not required, because if you are found eligible for Medicare you can deny COBRA and have Medicare as your primary insurance to take advantage of the Medicare Part B benefits to help pay for dialysis.
ALS
If you have ALS,, you automatically qualify for Medicare. but you have to meet certain criteria.
First, you have to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. This takes 24 months to get approved, but if you have ALS this waiting period is waived. Once you are approved your Medicare coverage will start the month you start receiving your disability benefits
Currently receiving disability benefits
If you’re currently receiving Social Security Disability benefits, you automatically qualify for Medicare if you have been receiving these benefits for 24 months.
Once it has been 24 months you can enroll in Medicare through the Social Security office and begin receiving benefits.
Or, if you turn 65 within this period you will automatically become eligible for Medicare and can complete your application.
How to enroll
If you meet one of these criteria you can enroll in Medicare by going directly to the Social Security website and submitting an application. This is the fastest way to enroll in Medicare. You will create an account online and submit your application.
If you’re receiving Social Security Disability benefits, you likely have an account already so it makes the process easier
If you prefer to talk to someone in person or over the phone, you can go directly to your Social Security office in your county or call Social Security directly At 800-772-1213 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.
Once you have secured your Medicare card, you can enroll in additional products including a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare Supplement plan, and Part D Prescription Drug plan.
Contact me today for more information about Medicare and your options to enroll.