Can you get on Medicare at age 62?

If you can retire before age 65, congratulations! While the average American hopes to stop working by age 62, only 51% of current retirees were able to retire between age 61 to 65. Retiring at age 62 can have a slew of benefits—you start collecting partial Social Security benefits, you’ll have more time to pursue hobbies, and you may even see your health improve.

Speaking of health, it’s important to know your options for getting on Medicare at age 62. Unfortunately, you can’t get on Medicare before age 65 unless you have a disability registered with the Social Security Administration. This goes for Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D—if you’re an able-bodied adult, you can’t access Medicare benefits at age 62.

Instead, you’ll wait until your 65^th birthday. If you’re receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare around 3 months before your 65^th birthday. You’ll receive your Medicare card via mail or email.

Let’s dive into the 3 specific circumstances in which you could qualify for Medicare early.

How can I get Medicare at age 62?

To get Medicare at age 62, you must either: 

• Have a disability on file with the Social Security Administration, and receive disability benefits;

• Receive a disability diagnosis and notify Social Security so you start receiving benefits;

After that, you can start taking steps towards joining Medicare. There are 3 possible scenarios depending on your disability.

If you’re receiving disability benefits…

People who receive disability benefits are automatically enrolled in Medicare. After receiving 24 months of benefits, you’ll receive your Medicare card. You’ll most likely receive it via mail during your 25^th month of receiving disability benefits.

Alternatively, you may receive an email prompting you to download and print at home. If you’ve received disability benefits since age 60, you absolutely could get Medicare at age 62.

If you’ve been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)…

People diagnosed with ALS are automatically enrolled in Medicare when they fill out paperwork for the Social Security Administration. Your Medicare and disability benefits will start paying out in the same month—you don’t have to wait like you do with other disabilities.

You’ll either receive your Medicare card via mail about 30 days after enrollment, or you’ll receive an email asking you to download and print it out. If you’re diagnosed with ALS at age 62, you’ll automatically join Medicare.

If you’ve been diagnosed with ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease)…

You’ll have to manually enroll in Medicare once you get diagnosed, but you’re allowed to enroll at any age—including 62. You’re allowed enrollment in Medicare Part A and B in this scenario. Within 30 days of applying, you’ll receive your Medicare card or an email to download it.