Summary: Most people become eligible for Medicare Part B when they turn 65. However, some individuals may be eligible under the age of 65 if they have a disability or certain qualifying illnesses. In this article, we’ll go into detail about the eligibility requirements for Medicare Part B and why it’s important to know when you qualify. Estimated Read Time: 4 min
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Part B?
U.S. citizens who are age 65 or older are eligible for Medicare Part B. Individuals under the age of 65 also qualify for Medicare Part B if they meet certain criteria.
You are eligible for Medicare Part B at age 65 if: You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for at least 5 years.
Individuals who are turning 65 will first become eligible to enroll in Medicare Part B (and Part A) three months before their 65th birthday. If your birthday falls on the first day of the month, you will become eligible to enroll in Medicare Part B for the first time four months prior to your birthday.
You qualify for Medicare Part B under age 65 if: You have received disability benefits through Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board for 24 months or have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS).
Individuals who are diagnosed with ALS will become eligible for Medicare Part B (and Part A) as soon as they begin receiving disability benefits. If you qualify for Medicare Part B due to ALS, you will automatically be enrolled.
It is important to understand when you will become eligible for Medicare Part B for a few reasons. First, signing up for Medicare Part B when you first become eligible can help you avoid having a gap in healthcare coverage. Additionally, signing up for Medicare Part B as soon as possible can also help you avoid late enrollment penalties.
Am I Eligible for Medicare Part B if I Have to Pay for Part A?
There are no additional eligibility requirements for Medicare Part B if you are someone who must “buy” Medicare Part A. If you haven’t worked and paid Medicare taxes for 40 or more quarters (10 years), you may need to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A; this is referred to as “buying” Part A.
You will still become eligible for Medicare Part B when you turn 65 and may choose to only enroll in Part B coverage at that time. If you choose to buy Medicare Part A, you will need to maintain your Medicare Part B coverage to have Part A coverage.
Medicare Part B Eligibility Checklist: Do I Qualify for Part B?
Are you eligible for Medicare Part B? Below, you’ll find a simple step-by-step checklist to determine whether or not you qualify for Part B coverage.
Citizenship Requirements for Part B: (you must meet one of the following requirements)
- You are a U.S. citizen
- You are a permanent resident of the United States for at least 5 years
Age Requirements for Medicare Part B: (you must meet one of the following requirements)
- You are 65 years of age or older
- You are turning 65 in three months
- You are under the age of 65 but have received disability benefits for 24 months or more
- You are under the age of 65 but have been diagnosed with ESRD or ALS
If you are under age 65 and want to know the date in which you’ll become eligible for Medicare Part B, use our Medicare Part B Eligibility Calculator below.
Medicare Eligibility Calculator
Follow the steps prompted by the tool to understand your Medicare Eligibility date.
Am I eligible for Medicare Part B if I’m still working? Even if you are still working at 65, you will still become eligible for Medicare Part B three months prior to your 65th birthday (or four months if your birthday falls on the first of the month). Though your eligibility hasn’t changed, you will want to consider when you should sign up for Medicare Part B if you’re still working.
Learn More About Eligibility Requirements and Medicare Part B
Though most people become eligible for Medicare Part B when they turn 65, your situation may be different. If you’re unsure of whether your eligible for Medicare Part B, consider whether you’re eligible for Medicare Part A. Since both Medicare Part A and Part B are offered by the federal government, if you’re eligible for one, you’re eligible for the other.
Have any questions? Our team of licensed insurance agents can help. Simply call the number above to speak with someone regarding your eligibility for Medicare Part B coverage. Are you eligible for Medicare Part B and want to learn more about applying for coverage? Check out our resources below.
Initial Enrollment Period for Part B
When you first become eligible for Medicare Part B, you’ll enter your Initial Enrollment Period. Learn more about this 7-month period here.
Are you eligible for Medicare Part B? This article details the process of applying for Medicare Part B coverage.
Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty
If you don’t get coverage when you first become eligible for Medicare Part B, you could face penalties. Learn more here.
Sources
Original Medicare (Part A and B) Eligibility and Enrollment
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/enrollment-renewal/health-plans/original-part-a-b
