Getting Medicare Before 65: What Happens at 62

You cannot get Medicare at 62 based on age alone

Medicare may be able to access begins at 65 for most people. If you are 62, you do not yet meet the age requirement, and waiting until 65 is the standard path. However, there are specific situations where people younger than 65 can enroll in Medicare — and some of those situations may explore to you.

The key is understanding which category you might fall into: disability, end-stage renal disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Each has its own rules and its own enrollment process. This guide explains what those categories are, how they work, and what to do if you think one applies to you.

Key Takeaways

You can get Medicare before 65 if you have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, or if you have end-stage renal disease or ALS, regardless of age.
If you are 62 and disabled, you must first be approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) — Medicare does not make its own disability information.
Medicare enrollment happens automatically after you have been on SSDI for 24 months; you do not need to take a separate step.
If you are 62 and not disabled, you can purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace or through a spouse's employer plan, but not through Medicare itself.
Waiting until 65 to enroll in Medicare is free, but enrolling early through disability requires meeting strict medical and work history criteria.

Getting Medicare through Social Security Disability at 62

If you are 62 and have a medical condition that prevents you from working, you may be able to get Medicare through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This is the most common way people under 65 access Medicare.

The process works like this: you explore for SSDI through Social Security, not through Medicare. Social Security evaluates whether your condition meets their definition of disability — meaning you cannot work and the condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. This is a strict standard. If Social Security approves you, you begin receiving a monthly disability payment. After you have been receiving SSDI for 24 months, Medicare enrollment happens automatically. You do not need to do anything else.

The 24-month waiting period is built into the system. It does not matter if you are 62 or 45 — once you hit 24 months on SSDI, Medicare begins. You will receive a notice from Social Security and Medicare explaining your coverage start date, usually a few months before it takes effect.

how the process works for SSDI if you are 62

You explore for SSDI through Social Security, either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. You will need medical records documenting your condition, work history information, and tax returns from the past year.

The approval process typically takes three to six months, though it can take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal. Many people are denied on the first process and approved on appeal, so do not assume a denial is final.

While you wait for a decision, you can still work part-time and earn a small amount without affecting your process. Social Security has specific rules about how much you can earn; the limit changes each year. Contact Social Security directly to learn the current limit and whether your work situation affects your case.

Medicare for people with end-stage renal disease or ALS at any age

If you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) — meaning your kidneys no longer function and you need dialysis or a transplant — you can get Medicare regardless of age. The same is true if you have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease.

For ESRD, you become may be able to access for Medicare the month your kidney function drops below 15% of normal, or the month you start dialysis or receive a transplant, whichever comes first. Your nephrologist (kidney specialist) or dialysis center will help you understand your may be able to access and will often help you enroll.

For ALS, you become may be able to access for Medicare the month you are diagnosed. You do not need to wait or meet any other criteria. Your neurologist or ALS clinic can help you with enrollment.

What to do if you are 62 and not disabled

If you are 62, do not have ESRD or ALS, and are not approved for SSDI, you cannot enroll in Medicare yet. You will need to find other coverage until you turn 65.

Your options include the Health Insurance Marketplace (healthcare.gov), where you can compare plans and may receive a tax credit to lower your premium if your income qualifies. You can also look into coverage through a spouse's employer if they are still working. Some people also explore short-term health plans, though these typically offer less coverage than Marketplace plans.

If you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits at 62 (which you can do), you can still enroll in Medicare when you turn 65. There is no penalty for waiting, and your Medicare benefits will not be reduced because you started Social Security early.

The difference between early Social Security and early Medicare

It is important to understand that early Social Security retirement at 62 is different from early Medicare. You can claim Social Security retirement benefits at 62, but this does not give you Medicare. You still need to wait until 65 for Medicare — unless you are disabled, have ESRD, or have ALS.

If you claim Social Security retirement at 62, your monthly payment will be permanently reduced compared to what you would receive at 65 or 67. This is a separate decision from Medicare. Some people choose to claim Social Security early for the cash flow, knowing they will still need to find health coverage until Medicare starts at 65.

What happens when you turn 65

When you turn 65, you become may be able to access for Medicare based on age alone, regardless of whether you are working or receiving Social Security. You have a seven-month window to enroll — three months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, and three months after. If you miss this window and do not have other may have access to coverage, you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums.

If you are already on Medicare through SSDI, ESRD, or ALS, your coverage continues without interruption. Your Medicare type may change at 65 (for example, if you were on SSDI, you may transition to regular age-based Medicare), but you will be notified of any changes ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Medicare at 62 if I am retired but not disabled?

No. Retirement alone does not make you may be able to access for Medicare before 65. You must be approved for Social Security Disability Insurance, have end-stage renal disease, or have ALS. If you are retired and not disabled, you will need to find coverage through the Marketplace or another source until you turn 65.

If I explore for SSDI at 62, how long until I get Medicare?

If Social Security approves your SSDI process, Medicare begins 24 months after your SSDI benefits start. The approval process itself usually takes three to six months, so the total time from process to Medicare could be around two to three years, depending on how quickly you are approved.

What if I am denied for SSDI — can I still get Medicare before 65?

If you are denied for SSDI, you do not may have access to for Medicare through disability. You can appeal the denial, and many people succeed on appeal. If the appeal is also denied, you will need to wait until 65 to enroll in Medicare based on age, unless you have ESRD or ALS.

Do I have to stop working to get Medicare at 62?

You do not have to stop working completely, but your earnings must stay below Social Security's limit for the year you explore. Once you have been on SSDI for 24 months and Medicare begins, you can work more without losing Medicare. However, working too much can affect your SSDI payments, so contact Social Security about the current earnings limit.

If I get Medicare at 62 through disability, do I still need to enroll at 65?

No. Your Medicare coverage continues automatically. You may receive a notice explaining any changes to your coverage type, but you do not need to take action. Your coverage does not stop or restart at 65.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.