Can I get Medicare when I file for Social Security early retirement at age 62?

ByChristopher Le

Unfortunately no. If you retire earlier than age 65, you will not be eligible for Medicare. Although Medicare is often thought of as insurance for retired people, the Medicare age requirement is still 65.

There are some exceptions to that general rule though. You can enroll in Medicare at age 62 IF you meet one of the requirements below:

  • You have been on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 2 years.
  • You are on SSDI because you suffer from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. (The two-year requirement is waived in this case.)
  • You suffer from end-stage renal disease.

If you do not meet these requirement, then your Medicare will begin 3 months before your 65th birthday. For example, if you turn 65 on August 6, 2022, the enrollment window opens on May 1.

If you are receiving Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration will send you a Medicare information as well as your Medicare card at the start of the sign-up period. You’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospitalization) and Part B (standard health insurance) in the month you turn 65.

In the interim, if you cant get Medicare yet, consider looking for other health insurance options until you are eligible for Medicare. You may qualify for Medicaid if you have very little assets or income. Or maybe you’ll want to look into the Affordable Care Act marketplace for coverage in the mean time. Another option is if your spouse is working, maybe you can get on their health insurance plan in the mean time.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact attorney Christopher Le at 210-885-3408.

 

 

Christopher Le is the Founder of the Law Offices of Christopher Le. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, he became the first Vietnamese American in his family to become an Attorney. He takes pride in representing the working person against big insurance companies and feels that our system of justice guarantees equal rights to all citizens. He also fights for those who are no longer able to work due to a disabling condition file for social security disability benefits. Christopher comes from a hard working family who came to the United States with very little.