Medicare Eligibility

You can get Medicare no matter your age if all of the following apply to you:

• Your kidneys no longer work
• You need regular dialysis or have had a kidney transplant
• One of these applies to you:
  • • You've worked the required amount of time under Social Security, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), or as a government employee
    • You're already getting or are eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits
    • You're the spouse or dependent child of a person who meets either of the requirements above

 Contact Social Security for more information about the amount of time required to be eligible for Medicare.

How to Apply for Medicare

• If you are eligible for Medicare because of ESRD, you can enroll in Part A and Part B by visiting your local Social Security office or by contacting Social Security.
• Learn more about signing up for Medicare because of ESRD.

Medicare Coverage

Eligibility for Medicare coverage based on ESRD works differently than other types of Medicare eligibility. If you’re eligible for Medicare based on ESRD and don’t sign up right away, your coverage could start up to 12 months before the month you apply.