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Can I get Medicare before age 65?

Yes, you can get Medicare before 65 if you have certain disabilities, end-stage renal disease, or ALS. Most people become eligible at 65.

Program rules & income limits
  • Published Sep 18, 2026
  • Reviewed Sep 21, 2026
  • 1 min read
A doctor explaining results to a man in his fifties

Yes, you can get Medicare before age 65 if you meet certain conditions. Most people qualify for Medicare at 65, but the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services also covers some younger people.

Who qualifies for Medicare before 65

You may be eligible for Medicare before 65 if you:

  • Have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months
  • Have end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which means your kidneys no longer work well enough to keep you alive
  • Have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease

If you have ALS, you do not need to wait. You become eligible for Medicare right away.

How to apply

You do not need to apply separately for Medicare if you already receive SSDI. Medicare will start automatically after your 24-month waiting period.

If you have ESRD or ALS, contact Social Security or visit Medicare.gov to apply. Applying is free.

Only Medicare decides if you qualify based on your situation. If you have questions about your specific case, a Medicare representative can help.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to get SSDI before I qualify for Medicare?

You must receive SSDI for 24 months before Medicare starts. After 24 months, you automatically become eligible even if you are under 65.

What if I have end-stage renal disease?

If you have ESRD, you may qualify for Medicare regardless of your age. You will need to provide medical documentation of your condition. Contact Social Security or Medicare.gov to start the process.

Do I have to pay for Medicare before 65?

Usually yes. Most people under 65 with Medicare must pay premiums, just like people 65 and older. Some people with low income may qualify for programs that help pay premiums.

Programs in this article

MedicareFederal · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare is federal health insurance for older adults and some younger people with disabilities.

Official sources

  1. Medicare official website

Last reviewed Sep 21, 2026. Found an error? Tell us.

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Program rules & income limits

Researched from official agency sources and checked against our editorial policy.

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