Myth-Busting: You Have to Wait Until You’re 65 for Medicare (Spoiler Alert: You May Not Have To)

Because not all rules are one-size-fits-all.


We hear it all the time: “I’ll deal with Medicare when I turn 65.”

But here’s the thing, not everyone has to wait that long. And if you do qualify early, delaying could mean missing out on coverage and support you deserve right now.


Let’s clear up the confusion.


🚫 The Myth: “Medicare is only for people 65 and older.”

Yes, 65 is the most common age people become eligible for Medicare. But it’s not the only path in. In fact, millions of Americans qualify earlier due to disability, serious health conditions, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).



✅ The Truth: You may qualify early if…

  • You’ve been on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months
  • You have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), in which case Medicare starts the same month your disability benefits do
  • You’ve been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and need regular dialysis or a kidney transplant


In these cases, Medicare works a little differently, but it’s still there to help you manage care and control costs. And yes, it’s okay to need help navigating it all. We’re here for that!



🕒 What About the “Enrollment Window”?

If you qualify early, your enrollment timeline will follow a different path than traditional aging-in Medicare. You’ll get info in the mail—but it’s still a good idea to talk to an agent who can explain what your options are, what’s covered, and whether you need a supplement or Part D plan to avoid gaps in care.



🧠 IBA Insight:

We’ve had clients say, “I thought I had to wait. I didn’t know I was already eligible.” That’s the kind of surprise we don’t like. A quick conversation with one of our agents can make sure you’re not missing out on the coverage, prescriptions, or financial help you could already qualify for. BUT once you hit 65, you’ll absolutely want to review and reselect your plan to get the best coverage and prices (plus no underwriting restrictions)!

Have more questions? We’d love to hear them, because your peace of mind is our job.

 

📞 Call us today at (217) 906-4200 or schedule a free consultation to start planning for your Medicare coverage.

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