There are several reasons why a person may be eligible for Medicare if under age 65. A person is eligible if she or he has been certified by the federal government as disabled and is qualified to receive disability payments. Someone who is considered disabled is certified by a physician as having a physical or mental ailment or condition making the person unable to work for at least one year, or who has been diagnosed with a fatal ailment. Once disability payments are received, a person must wait 24 months, and then Medicare coverage begins. Someone with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) does not have to be certified as disabled to receive federal benefits; Medicare coverage begins after the third dialysis treatment. Someone diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) is covered by Medicare immediately upon receiving federal disability payments. Someone who receives a disability pension from the Railroad Retirement Board and meets certain specific conditions is also eligible for Medicare.
Related FAQs
Who Is Eligible for Medicare?
Who Is Not Covered by Medicare?
Who Are Dual Eligibles?
How Does Someone Qualify for Medicare Through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
