Who can get Medicare?
- People 65 or older who are US citizens or have been legal permanent residents for at least 5 continuous years.
- People under 65 who have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months.
- People of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure needing dialysis or a transplant) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Is Medicare Part A free?
Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters). Others can buy Part A; in 2026 the full premium is $565 a month.
Estimate only. For official answers, visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or contact your free State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Medicare before 65?
Yes, if you’ve received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, or have ESRD or ALS.
Do I need to have worked to get Medicare?
No. But if neither you nor your spouse worked 10 years, you may have to pay a premium for Part A.
Can my spouse get Medicare if they’re younger than me?
Not until they turn 65 themselves (unless they qualify through disability).
Sources
- Medicare.gov – Eligibility
- CMS – 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles
Last reviewed: November 2026 · By the GoldenYearsTools team at XplainedDaily · How we build our tools