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Introduction to Medicare
Medicare Eligibility
It’s important to know when you’re eligible for Medicare and what to do if you are. Learn more about Medicare eligibility, what to do if you want to work past age 65 and how to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B.
Who is eligible for Medicare?
U.S. citizens and legal residents
Note: Legal residents must have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years in a row before applying for Medicare.
Plus, one of the following:
Age 65 or older
Younger than 65 with a qualifying disability
Any age with a diagnosis of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
What if I continue to work past age 65?
Be proactive.
You have Medicare decisions to make when you turn 65 even if you have coverage through an employer—yours or your spouse’s (if they’re still working). Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) happens when you’re turning 65 whether you’re still going to work or not. So be sure you know your IEP dates.
Learn how Medicare may work with your employer coverage.
Some employers require you to get Original Medicare (Parts A and B) benefits at age 65. Many people with employer coverage enroll in just Part A during their IEP. Part A is premium free for most people, and may provide hospital coverage in addition to your employer plan. Your employer’s benefits administrator should be able to help you learn more about your choices.
What do I need to do once I’m eligible for Medicare?
Most people are automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) once they are eligible. But not everyone is.
You'll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare if:
You have Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits when you turn 65, or
You are eligible for Medicare because of a disability or medical condition.
You must enroll in Original Medicare yourself if:
You are not receiving Social Security benefits when you become eligible for Medicare. You can enroll by visiting the ssa.gov/medicare website, or by calling or stopping into your local Social Security office.
Note: If you want coverage besides Original Medicare—like a Medicare Advantage (Part C), Prescription Drug (Part D) or Medicare Supplement insurance plan—that’s up to you, as well.
What are my coverage choices once I’m eligible for Medicare?
Once you're enrolled in Medicare Parts A and/or Part B, you can start to receive coverage from the federal government and you can choose to receive additional coverage from private insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare. Take a look at the "Coverage Choices" page to learn more.
Explore the Medicare Advantage, Medicare Prescription Drug and Medicare Supplement insurance plans that may be available in your area. Or learn if you qualify for a Medicare Special Needs Plan.
UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, brokers or producers.
AARP® encourages you to consider your needs when selecting products and does not make specific product recommendations for individuals.
Please note that each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products.
AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans
Insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, Horsham, PA (UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, Islandia, NY for New York residents). Policy form No. GRP 79171 GPS-1 (G-36000-4).
In some states, plans may be available to persons under age 65 who are eligible for Medicare by reason of disability or End-Stage Renal Disease.
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.
This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you.
You must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan.
THESE PLANS HAVE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS. FOR COSTS AND COMPLETE DETAILS (INCLUDING OUTLINES OF COVERAGE), CALL A LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT/PRODUCER AT THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER ABOVE.
Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Prescription Drug plans
Plans are insured through United Healthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part Dsponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare.
You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium ifnot otherwise paid for under Medicaid or by another third party.
The formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premium and/or copayments/ coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year.
