There are multiple ways to qualify for Medicare. The most common way is when you turn 65. When you turn 65, you become eligible for Medicare if:
– You collect or qualify to collect Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits; or
– You are a current US resident and either:
A US citizen; or
A permanent US resident having lived in the US for 5 continuous years before you apply for Medicare
If you are under 65, you qualify for Medicare if you are eligible for Medicare if you are a U.S. citizen or have your resident visa, have lived in the U.S. for five years in a row and:
– You have a disability and have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for more than 24 months;
– You have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) ; OR
– You have been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.