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Social Security Medicare Program

Eligibility Scenario: Disabled

undefined Social Security Medicare Program?


Medicare is a federally funded program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare is our country’s federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older. The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes your application and provides general information about the Medicare program.

Medicare is a federally funded program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare is our country’s federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older. The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes your application and provides general information about the Medicare program.

undefined Social Security Medicare Program?


To be eligible for this benefit program, you must meet one of the following:

  • Are age 65 or older.
  • Receive Social Security Disability benefits.
  • Have certain disabilities or permanent kidney failure (even if under age 65).

Based on the information you gave, you may be eligible to receive Medicare coverage because you have been receiving disability benefits for 24 months or more.

Please Note: If your disability is based on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, you do not need to wait 24 months for Medicare coverage to begin.

undefined Social Security Medicare Program?



For more information about Medicare, visit Medicare page.

Visit SSA's Publications Page for detailed information about SSA programs and policies.

You may also contact Social Security by phone at:
1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)