Qualify for Medicare with a Disability

Medicare is available f or certain people with a disability who are under 65. To qualify, you must have received Social Security Benefits for 24 months, or have End-Stage Renal Disease or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

If you have ESRD, you can sign up for Medicare before 65 if you need regular dialysis, or have had a kidney transplant, and meet one of the following:

Worked the required amount of time under Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board.

Eligible to receive or already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits.

Spouse or dependent child of a person who meets the requirements listed above.

Eligible for Medicare because of ESRD, enrollment is not automatic and you will need to enroll in Medicare by contacting your local Social Security office. Benefits typically start on the first day of the fourth month of your dialysis treatments. If you are covered by an employer health plan, your coverage will still start the fourth month of dialysis treatments.