Can I Get Medicare At Age 62?

Retirement is an exciting time, but when evaluating what to consider when planning your retirement, you may be wondering whether you can get Medicare at age 62 rather than age 65. In many cases, you can’t get Medicare at age 62, but there are a few exceptions, such as a qualifying disability or diseases.

Here are the things you need to know about qualifying for Medicare before the age of 65.

Who Qualifies for Medicare Before 65?

Some exceptions can allow those under 65 to enroll in a Medicare plan:

• You may qualify for Medicare at age 62 or any age under 65 if you have received disability benefits from either Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for at least two years (24 months).
• If you have ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, you will automatically qualify for Medicare. Your coverage will start on the first day of the month you begin receiving your Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits.
• You may also be eligible for Medicare if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Alternative Healthcare Options At Age 62

If you do not qualify for Medicare before age 65, you may be wondering what other health insurance options you have. Luckily, you have a couple of options, which include:

Group retiree coverage: You may have access to group health insurance if you were employed while working. Typically, when you retire, you can continue receiving coverage with the same healthcare provider.

The Marketplace: This was created by ACA to provide many private health insurance alternatives at a different price level tied to your income.

COBRA: Employers are mandated by COBRA to provide coverage equal to the benefits their employees received while still employed. This coverage typically lasts about 18 months, so it may not provide coverage for all your medical needs.

Your spouse’s plan: those who are married may also have their spouse as a dependent on their own employer’s health plan.

If you have any questions about your Medicare eligibility while under the age of 65, contact an experienced and licensed Medicare agent today. At Simple Retirement Benefits, our experienced agents can help you answer your questions and choose a suitable Medicare plan for your health needs and budget.