Can you get partial Medicare at 62? Understanding early eligibility

While most Americans become eligible for Medicare at age 65, millions of people under this age are also enrolled due to disability or other qualifying conditions. The vast majority of individuals who retire at 62, however, are not eligible to receive partial Medicare at 62 based on age alone.

Quick Summary

The standard eligibility age for Medicare is 65, and retiring early does not change this rule. Certain disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are the only exceptions that can grant access to Medicare before age 65. If you do not meet these criteria, you must secure alternative health coverage until your 65th birthday.

Key Points

• Standard Medicare age is 65: Early retirement at age 62 does not change the standard eligibility age for Medicare.

• Disability provides early access: You can get Medicare before age 65 if you've received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months.

• Special conditions waive the waiting period: Those with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) can get Medicare without the standard waiting periods.

• Retiring at 62 requires alternative coverage: If you retire at 62, you must secure private health insurance, use COBRA, or get a plan through the ACA Marketplace until you turn 65.

• Partial Medicare enrollment is not an option: You cannot enroll in separate parts of Medicare simply because you are below the eligibility age; you must qualify fully based on age or a qualifying condition.

• Delayed Part B enrollment can result in penalties: If you delay Part B enrollment without having creditable coverage from an employer, you could face lifetime penalties.

Can you get partial Medicare at 62?

Generally, you cannot get Medicare at age 62. The standard age of eligibility for Medicare is 65. Although you can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits at 62, this does not make you eligible for Medicare coverage. Medicare is primarily intended for individuals aged 65 and older, with specific exceptions for those with certain disabilities or medical conditions. If you retire at 62 without meeting these exceptions, you will need to find other health insurance until you reach age 65.

Early eligibility exceptions for Medicare

While 65 is the typical age, some situations allow for earlier Medicare eligibility. These exceptions are primarily based on receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or having specific diseases.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): You become eligible for Medicare after receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): If diagnosed with ALS, the 24-month waiting period for Medicare is waived. Your coverage begins with your first SSDI payment.
• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Individuals with permanent kidney failure may qualify for Medicare at any age. Eligibility depends on meeting work history requirements.

What does 'partial Medicare' mean?

The term 'partial Medicare' at 62 can be misleading. Medicare is structured in different parts, but you typically cannot enroll in only some of them based on your age. When eligible due to disability, you usually receive both Part A and Part B after your waiting period.

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Often premium-free with sufficient work history.
• Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Requires a monthly premium.
• Part C (Medicare Advantage): Private plans combining Part A and Part B, often including Part D.
• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Separate plan for prescription drug costs.

Health insurance options for early retirees at age 62

If you retire at 62 without early eligibility for Medicare, you have several options for health coverage until 65. Planning ahead is crucial to avoid coverage gaps and potential future penalties.

• Employer or union coverage: COBRA allows temporary continuation of former employer coverage, but at full cost. Some employers offer retiree benefits.
• Spouse's employer plan: You may be added to your spouse's plan if available.
• Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace: You can find health plans with potential tax credits based on income.
• Private health insurance: Purchase a policy directly from an insurer.

Comparing early retirement health coverage options

Feature	ACA Marketplace Plans	COBRA	Spousal Employer Plan	Private Health Insurance
Eligibility	Open to anyone, with subsidies available based on income.	Available for a limited period (usually 18-36 months) after leaving a job with employer coverage.	Contingent on your spouse’s employment status and their plan's rules.	Anyone can purchase, regardless of employment or income.
Cost	Varies by plan, with potential subsidies lowering monthly premiums.	Can be very expensive, as you pay the full premium plus an administrative fee.	Generally more affordable, as the employer likely subsidizes the premium.	Premiums can vary significantly and are not income-based.
Coverage	Comprehensive, with a wide range of choices regarding coverage levels and provider networks.	Same coverage as your former employer plan, but only for a limited period.	Based on the coverage options offered by your spouse’s employer.	Coverage can vary based on the plan selected.
Timing	Enroll during open enrollment or with a qualifying life event (like job loss).	Must elect within 60 days of losing job-based coverage.	Can often be added during a special enrollment period after job loss.	Can be purchased at any time, but options may be limited outside of open enrollment.
Subsidies	Available based on household income.	Not available.	Not available.	Not available.

Conclusion: Planning for your health insurance at 62

Medicare is generally not available at age 62 based on age alone. Eligibility before 65 requires specific medical conditions or receiving disability benefits. Therefore, if retiring at 62, you need to plan for alternative health coverage until age 65. Options like the ACA Marketplace, COBRA, or a spouse's plan provide necessary coverage, each with varying costs and benefits. Carefully consider these alternatives for continuous coverage until you qualify for Medicare at 65. More information is available on the {Link: Social Security Administration website https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10043.pdf}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Medicare Part A only at age 62?

No, you cannot get partial Medicare, such as just Part A, at age 62 based on your age alone. Eligibility for Part A is tied to turning 65, having received disability benefits for 24 months, or having End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS.

What is the 24-month waiting period for Medicare and disability?

The 24-month waiting period applies to individuals who qualify for Medicare through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You must receive SSDI benefits for 24 months before your Medicare coverage begins, starting in the 25th month of benefits.

Can I get on my spouse's Medicare at 62 if they are already 65?

No, you must be 65 to be eligible for Medicare based on your age or your spouse's work record. While your spouse's work history can make you eligible for premium-free Part A at 65, it doesn't accelerate your eligibility.

If I get Social Security retirement benefits at 62, do I get Medicare automatically at 65?

Yes. If you are already collecting Social Security retirement benefits when you turn 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. You do not need to apply separately for Medicare.

What happens if I retire at 62 and don't get other health insurance?

If you retire at 62 without a qualifying disability and do not secure alternative health coverage, you will have a gap in your health insurance until you turn 65. This could lead to a coverage lapse and potentially subject you to late enrollment penalties for Medicare Part B when you do become eligible.

Can I qualify for early Medicare if I have a condition other than ALS or ESRD?

Generally, no. The standard pathway for early Medicare is through receiving Social Security Disability benefits for 24 months, which covers a wide range of disabilities. ALS and ESRD are the only specific conditions that waive the waiting period.

What is the best health insurance option for a 62-year-old before Medicare?

The best option varies by individual circumstance. The ACA Marketplace may offer subsidized premiums based on income, while COBRA provides continuation of a former employer's plan at a high cost. A spouse's employer plan may be an affordable alternative if available. Researching all options is recommended.