Medicare 101
Medicare Eligibility
Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. You also qualify before 65 if you've received Social Security Disability for 24 months, or have ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease. You're eligible for premium-free Part A if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters).
Working past 65
If you or your spouse are still working with employer coverage, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty. The rules depend on employer size — we'll tell you whether to enroll now or wait.
Questions, answered
Do I have to take Medicare at 65?
Not always. If you have creditable employer coverage you may delay Part B penalty-free. Without creditable coverage, delaying causes lifelong penalties. We check your situation.
Am I eligible for Medicare before 65?
Yes, in specific cases: after 24 months of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, or immediately if you're diagnosed with ALS or End-Stage Renal Disease requiring dialysis or a transplant.
Do I need 10 years of work history to get Medicare at all?
No — 10 years (40 quarters) of Medicare-taxed work gets you premium-free Part A. Without it, you're still eligible for Medicare at 65, but you'd pay a monthly premium for Part A. Part B is available to nearly everyone regardless of work history, for its standard premium.
What if my spouse has the work history but I don't?
You can qualify for premium-free Part A based on your spouse's work record if they've met the 40-quarter threshold — you don't need your own qualifying work history if your spouse has it.
Talk to a local La Crosse area advisor
Free, no pressure — we compare your options for you.