Medicare Eligibility in California

Who Is Eligible for Medicare?

Medicare is a federal program, so eligibility requirements are the same across all states, including California. You may be eligible for Medicare if you meet any of the following criteria:

Age-Based Eligibility (65+)

You’re eligible for Medicare at age 65 if you are:

A U.S. citizen who has lived in the U.S. for at least 5 consecutive years, OR
A legal permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least 5 consecutive years

You’re eligible for premium-free Part A if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years). If not, you can buy Part A by paying a monthly premium.

Disability-Based Eligibility (Under 65)

You can get Medicare before 65 if you’ve received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months. Medicare begins automatically in the 25th month. In California, those on SSDI may also qualify for Medi-Cal, providing dual coverage.

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

If you have permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant, you may qualify for Medicare at any age. Coverage typically begins:

The first month of dialysis if you complete a self-dialysis training program, OR
The fourth month of dialysis treatments, OR
The month of a kidney transplant or the month before

ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

If you’re diagnosed with ALS, you’re eligible for Medicare the same month your SSDI benefits begin — there is no 24-month waiting period.

California-Specific Help

California offers additional programs for Medicare-eligible residents:

Medi-Cal: California’s Medicaid program for low-income residents, which can be combined with Medicare (learn more)
Medicare Savings Programs: Help pay premiums and cost-sharing for low-income Californians (check eligibility)
HICAP: Free Medicare counseling available in every California county (find your local office)

When to Apply

Apply for Medicare through the Social Security Administration. Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before you turn 65. If you’re already receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll be enrolled in Parts A and B automatically.

Need personalized help? Connect with a licensed California Medicare agent →

At what age am I eligible for Medicare?

You're eligible for Medicare at age 65 if you're a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least 5 consecutive years.

Can I get Medicare before 65?

Yes, if you've received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or have been diagnosed with ALS.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen for Medicare?

No, legal permanent residents who have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 consecutive years are also eligible for Medicare.

What if I'm eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal?

You can receive benefits from both programs. Medi-Cal can help pay your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays. This is called dual eligibility.