Medicare is the nation's largest health insurance program. It's funded by the United States government. It provides high-quality health care to people 65 and over, and to people under 65 who have certain disabilities.
When am I eligible for Medicare?
For the most part, you are Medicare eligible if you:
Are age 65 or older
Are under 65 with certain disabilities
Have end-stage renal disease — permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant — or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig disease, regardless of your age
When can I apply for Medicare?
You can apply for Medicare:
Three months before your 65th birthday
The entire month of your 65th birthday
Ending three months after your 65th birthday
There is a total enrollment period of seven months
Where can I learn more about Medicare and my options?
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), (TTY: 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week