Can you get Medicare at age 62?

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the standard age for Medicare eligibility is 65. This means you typically cannot get Medicare at age 62, but there are important exceptions for individuals with qualifying disabilities or specific medical conditions.

Quick Summary

The standard eligibility age for Medicare is 65, but some individuals may qualify earlier due to a qualifying disability or specific medical conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS. Other health insurance options are necessary until age 65 for most people retiring early.

Key Points

• Standard Eligibility Age: Most individuals become eligible for Medicare at age 65, not 62.

• Disability Exceptions: You can qualify for Medicare before 65 if you have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months.

• No Waiting Period for Certain Conditions: For those with ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease, the standard 24-month waiting period is waived.

• Bridging the Coverage Gap: If you retire at 62 and are not disabled, you must use other health insurance options like ACA Marketplace plans, COBRA, or a spouse's plan until you turn 65.

• Automatic vs. Manual Enrollment: Automatic enrollment occurs if you are already receiving Social Security benefits; otherwise, you must sign up for Medicare yourself during your enrollment period to avoid penalties.

• Late Enrollment Penalties: Waiting to enroll in Medicare Part B after your Initial Enrollment Period can result in a permanent late enrollment penalty, even if you qualify early due to disability.

• Full Retirement Age vs. Medicare Age: Don't confuse the full retirement age for Social Security (which is now 67 for those born in 1960 or later) with Medicare's age requirement, which remains 65 for most.

Medicare Eligibility: The Standard Rule and the Exceptions

While many people associate Medicare with retirement, the eligibility criteria are more specific than simply retiring. The primary rule is that you must be 65 years or older to qualify for Medicare based on age. However, the federal program makes critical exceptions for younger individuals facing certain health challenges. The idea that someone retiring early at 62 can automatically transition to Medicare is a common misconception and leads many to an insurance coverage gap.

Qualifying with a Disability Before Age 65

One of the most common pathways to early Medicare eligibility is through a qualifying disability. If you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for at least 24 months, you will automatically become eligible for Medicare. The 24-month waiting period begins after you are entitled to receive your first SSDI benefit payment. Your Medicare coverage will then start in your 25th month of receiving benefits.

It is important to note that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is different from SSDI and does not grant automatic eligibility for Medicare. Individuals must apply for and be approved for SSDI benefits through the Social Security Administration before they can start the 24-month waiting period for Medicare.

Special Medical Conditions that Waive the Waiting Period

For certain severe conditions, Medicare waives the standard 24-month waiting period. This ensures that individuals with these diagnoses receive essential healthcare coverage without unnecessary delays.

• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Also known as permanent kidney failure, ESRD typically qualifies you for Medicare benefits three months after you begin a regular course of kidney dialysis or undergo a kidney transplant. You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time, or be the child or spouse of someone who has, to qualify.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): For those diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, the waiting period for Medicare is waived entirely. Coverage begins the same month your SSDI benefits start.

Health Insurance Options Before Medicare

For those who are not eligible for early enrollment through a disability or special condition, a gap in health insurance coverage between retirement and age 65 can pose a significant financial and health risk. Several options exist to bridge this period:

• Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace Plans: You can purchase a health insurance plan through the federal or state marketplaces. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for subsidies that lower your monthly premiums.
• COBRA: If you are leaving a job with 20 or more employees, a federal law known as COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) may allow you to continue your employer-sponsored health plan for a limited time, usually up to 18 months. Be aware that you will pay the full premium, which can be expensive.
• Spouse's Employer Plan: If your spouse is still working and their employer offers health coverage, you may be able to be added to their plan. A job loss typically qualifies you for a special enrollment period to make this change.
• Retiree Health Coverage: Some companies, though a shrinking number, offer retiree health benefits that can provide coverage until you become eligible for Medicare.

A Comparison of Options for a 62-Year-Old

Feature	ACA Marketplace Plan	COBRA Continuation	Employer Retiree Plan	Early Medicare (Disability)
Eligibility at 62	Yes, during open enrollment or a special enrollment period	Yes, if leaving an employer with 20+ workers	Possibly, if offered by your former employer	Yes, only if you have qualifying disability/illness
Coverage Duration	Annually renewable	Temporary (usually 18 months)	Varies by employer	Ongoing until age 65 (when eligibility shifts)
Cost	Can be affordable with subsidies based on income	Often very expensive, paying full premium	Varies widely; employer may subsidize costs	Parts B, D premiums; Parts A often premium-free
Late Enrollment Penalty	No penalties for ACA plans	No, but delaying Medicare Part B if not working leads to penalties	No, but must enroll in Medicare once retired and 65	Can avoid penalty by enrolling promptly once eligible
Special Enrollment Period	Triggered by loss of other coverage	Available upon loss of employer coverage	N/A	Triggered by 25th month of SSDI benefits

Conclusion

While it is not possible for most people to get Medicare at age 62, specific pathways exist for those with disabilities or certain medical conditions like End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS. For those without these conditions, the standard age of eligibility is 65, and they will need to secure alternative health insurance to bridge the gap in the interim. It is crucial to plan ahead for health coverage during this period, exploring options like the ACA Marketplace, COBRA, or a spouse's plan, to avoid significant coverage gaps and potential late enrollment penalties down the line. For personalized guidance, individuals are encouraged to contact the Social Security Administration or consult with their local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Medicare at 62 if I retire early?

No, you cannot get Medicare at age 62 simply because you are retiring early. Medicare eligibility typically begins at age 65. If you do not have a qualifying disability or a specific medical condition, you will need to find alternative health insurance coverage to bridge the gap until you are 65.

How can a disability make me eligible for Medicare before age 65?

If you are under 65 and have a disability, you can become eligible for Medicare after you have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months. Medicare coverage will then begin in your 25th month of receiving those benefits.

Is there a shorter waiting period for disability?

Yes, for certain conditions, the waiting period for Medicare is waived. Individuals diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are eligible for Medicare the same month their Social Security Disability benefits begin. Those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) may qualify for Medicare a few months after starting dialysis or receiving a kidney transplant.

What health insurance options do I have until I turn 65?

If you retire at 62, you can explore health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, continue your former employer's plan through COBRA for a limited time, or join a spouse's employer-sponsored plan if they are still working.

Does taking Social Security at 62 affect my Medicare?

No, starting your Social Security retirement benefits at age 62 does not change your Medicare eligibility. You will still have to wait until age 65 to be covered by Medicare unless you qualify for an exception based on disability or a specific medical condition.

What happens to my disability-based Medicare when I turn 65?

When you turn 65, your Medicare coverage automatically transitions from disability-based eligibility to age-based eligibility. The benefits remain the same, but the basis for your entitlement changes. If you had previously chosen not to enroll in Part B, you will be automatically enrolled when you turn 65.

Can I qualify for Medicare if I haven't worked long enough?

If you have not worked and paid Medicare taxes for the required 10 years, you may still qualify based on your spouse's work history. If neither you nor your spouse worked long enough, you may have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A.