Turning 65, or New to Medicare?
Generally, Medicare is for people 65 or older. You may be able to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig's disease).
Important: If you are not currently receiving Social Security, you will need to enroll into Medicare yourself. If you are receiving Social Security, you will normally be auto-enrolled into Medicare. Check with your local Social Security office for more information.
There are three main ways you can enroll into Medicare:
1. Enroll online on the Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.
2. Go in person to your local Social Security office.
3. Schedule a phone appointment with a Social Security Representative.