Contributions to Medicare through U.S. payroll taxes You must have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) before turning 65.

This is called "crediting" the required number of quarters. You can find out how many quarters you have credited by checking your Social Security statement.



• Special circumstances: There are a few special circumstances that may make you eligible for Medicare even if you have not met the 10-year requirement. These include:
• Being disabled
• Having End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
• Having Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS)
• Initial Enrollment Period: The Initial Enrollment Period is the time period when you can first sign up for Medicare. It is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before you turn 65. If you sign up for Medicare during this period, your coverage will start on the first day of the month you turn 65.
• Sign up within 6 months of your 65th birthday. If you do not sign up for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, you will have to wait until the next General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 of each year. If you sign up for Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, your coverage will start on July 1.
• Automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B: If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you were automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B effective in the month you turned 65. Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and some home health care. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and some preventive services.