Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Medicare at 62 stock image
By Tej Seelamsetty
Jun 16, 2022

Can Your Medicare Begin if You Retire at Age 62

You're typically eligible for Medicare at 65. But what if you retire before 65 — like at 62?

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.
You probably have some questions.
Will my Medicare start if I retire at 62?
What will I do if I don't have social security benefits?
How will I cover my health care expenses when I retire at 62?

When Does My Medicare Begin?

Your

Medicare

begins when you turn 65. But sometimes you can get benefits before you're 65.
Let's talk about some different scenarios.
If you're receiving

Social Security disability benefits

, your Medicare will automatically start the 25th month after receiving your benefits.
Similarly, if you have end-stage renal disease (

ESRD

), have undergone a kidney transplant, or need continuous dialysis, you might be eligible for Medicare before you turn 65 and be able to get benefits immediately.
Also, if you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (

ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease

), you'll be enrolled to receive Medicare as soon as your disability benefits begin.

How Does Being 62 Affect My Spouse's Medicare?

Your Medicare Part A premium is based on the number of years you or your spouse have worked and paid Medicare taxes.
If you've paid into Medicare while working for at least 10 years, your Medicare Part A will be free—you don't need to pay a premium.
But, if you've worked for less than 10 years, you might have to pay a premium.
However, if you're 62 and have been working for more than 10 years, your spouse (age 65) may be able to use your work history to their benefit (or vice versa).
So, if your spouse is 65 and has either not been in the workforce or has worked for less than 10 years, they may be eligible for a premium-free Medicare Part A due to your work history.
Here's an example:
John is 65. He has Medicare but needs to pay a premium for his Part A Medicare since he's worked for less than 10 years. His wife, Lily, has been working for more than 10 years. When Lily turns 62, John no longer needs to pay the Part A premium — it's free.
This transfer of spousal benefit is possible only when you turn 62, and your spouse is 65, or vice versa. Your Medicare, however, will not begin until you're 65.

What Are the Health Insurance Options if I Retire at 62 or before 65?

If you retire before 65, but your spouse is still in the workforce, you might be covered under their employer's healthcare insurance — if it includes your spouse.
You can also go for

COBRA

, which allows you to continue your previous employer's coverage. COBRA is a federal law that will enable you to continue your previous employer's coverage for a limited time (18 to 36 months). The premium for COBRA coverage is usually higher than what you were paying as an active employee, but it still might be lower than what you would pay for an individual health insurance policy. Note that once you turn 65, COBRA is no longer considered "creditable" coverage by Medicare. You could face penalties for not enrolling in Medicare if you stay on COBRA after you turn 65.
You can also purchase an affordable private health insurance plan from the

Health Insurance Marketplace

, where you can compare plans and prices to find the best coverage for you.

Conclusion

Medicare benefits usually don't begin until you're 65. So, if you retire at age 62 and are not in one of the exemption groups, you'll likely have to look for other options to cover your health expenses.
If you're retiring before (or after) turning 65, and have any questions about your health insurance, you can speak to

Fair Square Medicare's

licensed experts at 1-888-376-2028. We can give you a clear picture and guide you through your options.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

Cover image
Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare
Apr 27, 2023
senior man on a phone call stock image
What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?
Apr 11, 2023
Daniel Petkevich demonstrates Medicare coverage by using a scarf and hat as a metaphor
Medicare 101
May 20, 2020
Cover image
Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition
Oct 2, 2023
a variety of pills in a daily pill organizer stock image
Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?
Dec 5, 2022
Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville
Mar 3, 2023
Myelofibrosis stock image
Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?
Dec 12, 2022
older man suffering from stomach pain due to IBS stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?
Jan 19, 2023
Nasal spray stock image
Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?
Jan 12, 2023
senior man holding up his medicare card stock photo
Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number
May 12, 2022
Cover image
What People Don't Realize About Medicare
Mar 27, 2023
Medigap plan letters on outstretched fingers stock image
How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?
Apr 12, 2023
Cover image
Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs
Feb 1, 2024
Cover image
Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?
May 2, 2023
a chart explaining different enrollment periods on medicare
How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You
Apr 8, 2022
Cover image
The Fair Square Bulletin: August 2023
Aug 28, 2023
Orthopaedist at work treating a bunion, stock photo
Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?
Nov 29, 2022
Sinusitis. stock illustration
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?
Dec 1, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

2024 "Donut Hole" Updates

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2023?

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Enroll in Social Security

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Explained

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Plan G vs. Plan N

The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make

The Fair Square Bulletin: February 2024

The Fair Square Bulletin: June 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: September 2023

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2024

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2024 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M