Why does someone have to be 50 years old to get Medicare if they are receiving Social Security Disability?
Expert Answer by Joseph L. Matthews
Joseph L. Matthews is a Caring.com senior editor, an attorney, and the author of Long-Term Care: How to Plan & Pay for It and Social Security, Medicare, & Government Pensions: Get the Most Out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits.
You don't have to be 50-years old in order to receive full Medicare coverage if you are receiving Social Security disability benefits. You can get Medicare coverage at any age once you have received Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits for 24 months. Medicare sets out this rule on its web site page explaining eligibility.
