Medicare Basics & Eligibility

Start Here Before You Make a Big Decision

Feeling Overwhelmed By Medicare?

You’re not alone. Whether you’re turning 65, already getting Social Security, or helping a loved one figure this out—this is a great place to begin.

Let’s cover a few of the most common questions, simply and clearly. No jargon. No overwhelm.

Who Qualifies for Medicare?

You’re generally eligible if you meet any of the following:

You’re turning 65 and are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
You’re under 65 and have been receiving Social Security Disability for 24 months
You’ve been diagnosed with ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

When Does Medicare Start?

For most people, Medicare starts the first day of the month you turn 65.
If your birthday is on the 1st, it starts the month before
If you're under 65 with a qualifying disability, your coverage begins after 24 months of disability benefits.

Will I Be Enrolled Automatically?

Yes, if you're already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before age 65.
No, if you're delaying Social Security—you’ll need to manually apply for Medicare through Social Security.

What If I'm Still Working?

This part gets tricky—and the wrong move can cost you thousands.

If you’re working and have employer coverage, you may not need to sign up right away.
But some people should enroll at 65—even with job-based insurance.

This is where speaking with an expert makes all the difference.

What If I Don’t Sign Up on Time?

Missing your enrollment window could mean:

Late penalties that never go away
Gaps in coverage
Delays in getting the care you need

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Have questions?

Our MereCare Team is here to help you every step of the way—from scheduling your appointment to making sure your enrollment is smooth and stress-free.

See How They Support You

Talk to a Medicare Expert (At No Cost)

This is just the tip of the iceberg. You don’t need to spend hours piecing this together on your own.

Let’s have a quick, no-pressure call where we walk through your situation and make sure you’re on the right track.

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I’ve helped thousands navigate this maze, and I’ve written a book to simplify it all. If you like clear, honest answers and real-life stories, this is for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply for Medicare, or will it happen automatically?

If you're already receiving Social Security before age 65, enrollment usually happens automatically. If you're not, you’ll need to sign up through Social Security.

When should I start the Medicare enrollment process?

You can enroll 3 months before your 65th birthday, during your Initial Enrollment Period (a 7-month window). But it’s wise to start the conversation even earlier to avoid mistakes or delays.

What happens if I keep working past 65?

If you or your spouse are still working and have employer coverage, your decision to enroll—or delay—depends on the size of the company and the quality of the plan. Reach out for personalized guidance.

Does my income affect my Medicare costs?

Yes. Higher earners may pay more for Parts B and D—but there are also programs like Medicare Savings, Extra Help, and even Medicaid that can reduce your costs if you're on a fixed income. We’ll walk through what might apply to your situation.

What if I’m helping a parent or spouse with this?

You’re in the right place. We work with adult children, caregivers, and spouses to make sure your loved one’s transition to Medicare is smooth and stress-free.

What documents do I need to enroll?

You’ll typically need: