Page 26 - NASCO Appendices

Section 2—Signing up for Part A and Part B 21

Medicare and End-Stage Renal Disease
(ESRD)

Am I eligible for Medicare if I have ESRD?
Yes, you can get Part A and Part B no matter how old you are if your
kidneys no longer work, you need regular dialysis or have had a

kidney transplant, and one of these applies to you:
■ You’ve worked the required amount of time under Social Security,
the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), or as a government employee.
■ You’re already getting or are eligible for Social Security or RRB

benefits.
■ You’re the spouse or dependent child of a person who meets either of
the requirements listed above.

You must also file an application and meet any waiting periods that
apply.

Note: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for more information
about the required amount of time needed under Social Security to be

eligible for Medicare. If you get benefits from the RRB, call your local
RRB office or 1-800-808-0772.

How do I sign up for Medicare if I have ESRD?

If you’re eligible for Medicare because of ESRD,
you can enroll in Part A and Part B by visiting
your local Social Security office or by calling Social
Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users should call
1-800-325-0778.

Note: If you’re already enrolled in Medicare based on age or disability,
and you’re already paying a higher Part B premium because you

didn’t enroll in Part B when you were first eligible, the penalty will
stop when you become eligible for Medicare based on ESRD. Call
your local Social Security office to make an appointment to reenroll
in Medicare based on ESRD. For more information on ESRD, visit
Medicare.gov/publications to view the booklet “Medicare Coverage of
Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Services.”