Medicare qualifications

Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States primarily for people who are 65 or older. However, certain younger individuals can also qualify for Medicare under specific conditions. Here are the main eligibility criteria:

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1. Age 65 or Older: Most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. If you or your spouse have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years, you can get Part A (Hospital Insurance) without paying a premium.

2. Disability: If you are under 65 and have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

3. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Individuals with permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant can qualify for Medicare at any age.

4. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, individuals with ALS are eligible for Medicare as soon as they start receiving SSDI benefits.