“17% of all Medicare beneficiaries are under 65 years old.”
-Kaiser Family Foundation
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, almost one in six Medicare-eligible Americans are under age 65. That means that almost eight million Americans have permanent disabilities that enable them to receive Medicare under the age of 65.
So, what are the instances in which one can obtain Medicare prior to turning 65?
End-Stage Renal Disease:
If your kidneys no longer function properly, you need regular dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, you can receive Medicare no matter your age. However, you must have worked a certain amount of time under Social Security, Railroad Retirement Board, or as a government employee.
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Lou Gehrig’s disease):
During your first month of receiving disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you will be able to begin your Medicare benefits during that first month as well.
Another permanent disability and already receiving disability benefits:
If you are under 65 with a disability, you are eligible for Medicare after 24 months of receiving Social Security disability benefits.
