Is it possible to have Medicare under age 65?

Yes. After 24 months of Social Security disability benefits, Medicare begins. For ALS, it starts the same month disability benefits do, and End-Stage Renal Disease, meaning permanent kidney failure, can qualify someone at any age.

More detail

Here's an example. Say you're 55 and start getting Social Security disability benefits. Your Part A and Part B start automatically after 24 months of benefits, and your card arrives about 3 months before. If you have ALS, Medicare starts the month your disability benefits begin.

With kidney failure (ESRD), it's not automatic. Your dialysis facility helps with a form, and you contact Social Security to sign up.

Things people don't expect: • Drug coverage has its own 7-month window around your 25th month of disability benefits • Medicare Supplement options under 65 depend on your state and may cost more • You get new chances to make choices when you turn 65

What to have ready: the letter from Social Security showing when your disability benefits started.

If you're in that 24-month wait now, call me and we'll plan ahead together.