If he is younger than 20, he only qualifies for Medicare if he has end-stage renal disease (ESRD). If he has ESRD, he must

• need dialysis on a regular basis or require a kidney transplant; and
• have at least one parent who receives or is eligible for Social Security benefits.

If he is older than 20, he qualifies for Medicare if he has been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for at least two years (24 months). Even if he has never worked, he may be able to receive SSDI if

• he developed a disability before he was 22; and
• at least one of his parents is receiving Social Security retirement benefits.

If he does not qualify for Medicare and he is 18 or younger, he may qualify for your state's Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP), a program for families with low incomes. If he is 19 or older, he may qualify for regular Medicaid.

For more information about these programs, contact your local Medicaid office or click on the link in the LINKS box.