When you turn 65, you become eligible for Medicare if you:

• Collect or qualify to collect Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits  

                                    or

• You are a current US resident and either 
  • A US citizen or
  • A permanent US resident having lived in the US for 5 continuous years before you apply for Medicare

If you have a disability, ESRD or ALS you may be eligible for Medicare before you turn 65. Click on the link in the GO TO box for more information.

How you enroll at age 65 depends on whether or not you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits.

To find out how to get Medicare if you are 65 or over, click on the link in the GO TO box.

If your income is low, you may be eligible for government programs that help you pay your Medicare premiums. To find out if you qualify, click on the link in the GO TO box.

How much you have to pay for your Medicare coverage depends on your work history (if and how long you have paid Medicare taxes). Everyone has to pay a monthly premium for their medical insurance (Part B). Most people with Medicare get their hospital insurance (Part A) premium-free.

To find out more about your monthly costs with Medicare, click on the link in the GO TO Box.