At 62 Can I Get Medicare? Learn the Exceptions & Benefits

If you’re wondering, “At 62 can I get Medicare?” you’re not alone. In 2025, many Americans are planning for early retirement and trying to figure out how health insurance works when they’re no longer working — but not quite 65. While Medicare remains a robust federal health insurance program, it’s important to understand eligibility, exceptions, and alternatives if you’re under age 65. This article will walk you through everything you need to know.

Understanding Medicare Eligibility in 2025

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance to people aged 65 or older, as well as to certain younger individuals with qualifying disabilities or diseases. Here are the general criteria:

• You’re 65 years or older

• You’ve paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters)

• You’re a U.S. citizen or a legal resident for at least five years

This means that most people cannot get Medicare at 62 unless they meet special conditions.

Why the Age 65 Rule Still Stands

In 2025, the eligibility age for Medicare remains at 65. This age was set in 1965 when Medicare was enacted and has not changed. Even as health costs rise and people retire earlier, the federal government has kept the age requirement intact. That’s why asking “can I get Medicare at 62?” results in a no—unless you have a qualifying condition.

Can I Get Medicare at 62 Under Any Conditions?

The only way you can get Medicare before turning 65 is if you qualify based on disability or certain medical conditions, such as:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients after 24 months

• End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis or needing a transplant

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients (Medicare begins the month SSDI starts)

So, if you’re 62 and have been receiving SSDI for at least 24 months, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

Retirement at 62: What Are My Options?

If you’re planning to retire at 62 but don’t qualify for Medicare, you need alternative coverage until age 65. Here’s a breakdown of your best options.

Marketplace Health Insurance for Early Retirees

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you can buy health insurance on the federal or state marketplace. If your income is low due to early retirement, you may qualify for subsidies that lower your monthly premiums.

• Plans are categorized into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum

• Most 62-year-old retirees opt for Silver Plans with subsidies

• Coverage includes essential benefits like preventive care, hospitalization, and prescriptions

Visit HealthCare.gov to explore plans available in your state.

COBRA Coverage After Employment

If you’re retiring from a job that offered health insurance, you may be eligible for COBRA. This lets you continue your employer’s health plan for up to 18 months, but at your own cost.

• No network change, which is a plus

• Expensive because you pay the full premium (plus a 2% fee)

• A good option to bridge the gap if you’re 62 and retiring mid-year

Spousal Health Insurance at 62

If your spouse is still working and has employer coverage, you may be able to enroll in their plan as a dependent. This can be:

• A cost-effective option

• Easy to coordinate if you have already used their coverage before

Make sure to compare this to ACA options to see which offers better coverage and cost.

Can You Get a Medicare Supplement at 62?

No, Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is only available to those who are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. Since you can’t get Medicare until 65 (unless disabled), you cannot buy Medigap coverage at 62.

If you’re receiving Medicare due to a disability, some states may allow you to purchase a Medicare Supplement plan early, but availability and pricing vary widely.

How AARP Health Insurance Fits In at 62

AARP’s Partnerships and Coverage Choices

AARP partners with UnitedHealthcare to offer various health plans. However, their Medicare-focused offerings are for those eligible for Medicare — typically age 65 and up.

That said, AARP does offer other insurance options, such as:

• Short-term health plans

• Vision, dental, and hearing policies

• Long-term care insurance

These can supplement your health needs at age 62, especially if you’re in the gap period before Medicare eligibility.

How It Differs from Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are private Medicare options that replace Original Medicare and often bundle Part D drug coverage. But you can’t enroll in Medicare Advantage without first being enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

So, at 62, Medicare Advantage is off the table, unless you’re Medicare-eligible due to disability.

Financial Impacts of Retiring Before 65

Choosing to retire before Medicare kicks in can strain your budget, especially when it comes to health insurance.

Premium Costs and Income Considerations

• ACA premiums depend on your estimated yearly income

• Lower income can help you qualify for premium tax credits

• COBRA is typically more expensive, but keeps you with your existing provider network

Using HSA and Other Savings Smartly

If you’ve been contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA), you can use those funds tax-free for medical expenses. After 65, you can use them for any purpose (taxed as income if non-medical).

Pro tip: HSA withdrawals for insurance premiums are limited to certain types, so plan wisely.

Bridge Strategies Until Medicare Kicks In

There are creative strategies to help you get through the 3-year waiting period before age 65:

Short-Term Insurance Options

Short-term health insurance plans can:

• Cover gaps for a few months

• Be affordable, but limited in benefits

• Often exclude pre-existing conditions

These are not recommended as a long-term solution but can be useful in transitions.

Medicaid as a Temporary Solution

If your income falls below your state’s Medicaid threshold, you may qualify for Medicaid, which is free or low-cost. Some early retirees temporarily reduce income to qualify.

Eligibility varies by state, and some states have expanded Medicaid under the ACA.

Planning Ahead for Medicare at 65

Getting ready for Medicare early can help you:

• Avoid late penalties

• Pick the right coverage level

• Transition smoothly without gaps

Signing Up on Time to Avoid Penalties

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is:

• 3 months before you turn 65

• The month of your 65th birthday

• 3 months after

Missing this window may result in lifetime penalties, especially for Part B and Part D.

Choosing the Right Medicare Path

You’ll need to choose between:

• Original Medicare + optional Medigap and Part D

• Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)

Consider factors like provider networks, out-of-pocket maximums, and drug coverage.

Call the official Medicare helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to ask your questions or get more information.

Expert Advice for Early Retirees

Experts suggest these steps:

• Estimate your annual health costs

• Explore ACA subsidies and use HSAs

• Don’t ignore preventive care just because you’re in the insurance gap

• Prepare for Medicare enrollment 6 months before 65

A licensed insurance agent can help you compare plans based on your personal situation.FAQs

Can you get Medicare at 62 years of age?

No, unless you qualify by disability, ALS, or ESRD. Most people have to wait until age 65.

How can I retire at 62 and get health insurance?

You can use ACA plans, COBRA, spousal coverage, or Medicaid to bridge the gap until Medicare eligibility at 65.

Can you get a Medicare Supplement at age 62?

Only if you are receiving Medicare due to disability, otherwise, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are available at age 65.

Can I get AARP health insurance at 62?

Yes, but only non-Medicare plans. AARP offers short-term health, dental, and vision plans for those under 65.

What is the best insurance if I retire at 62?

The best depends on your health needs and income. ACA plans with subsidies are often the most affordable.

Will Medicare age drop below 65 in the future?

There have been proposals, but as of 2025, the Medicare age remains at 65.

Final Thoughts

Planning to retire at 62 and asking, “At 62, can I get Medicare?” may seem daunting, but understanding the rules, alternatives, and strategies can empower you. While you likely can’t get Medicare at 62, there are many viable options to protect your health and finances until you reach age 65. Explore ACA plans, use HSAs smartly, and prepare early for your Medicare journey. You don’t have to wait until 65 to plan — start now and retire with confidence.

Take the guesswork out of Medicare—start with a free quote at NewMedicare.com or call 📞 (833) 203-6742.