---
id: "epm:1.7"
source: "Minnesota Health Care Programs Eligibility Policy Manual"
source_short: "EPM"
publisher: "Minnesota Department of Human Services"
section: "1.7"
title: "Help Paying for Medicare Costs"
breadcrumb: "1 Minnesota Health Care Programs > 1.7 Help Paying for Medicare Costs"
effective_date: 2023-03-01
last_modified: 2026-10-03T03:41:37.199792+00:00
version: 1
url: "https://bot-corpus.mn-dhs.online/s/epm/1.7"
official_origin: "https://hcopub.dhs.state.mn.us/epm/1_7.htm"
legal_citations:
  []
---
# EPM 1.7 Help Paying for Medicare Costs

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for most people age 65 or older, people who are certified disabled, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). The Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services (CMS) determines who is eligible for Medicare. Medicare eligibility usually begins the month a person turns age 65. People who have been certified disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) have a 24 month waiting period before Medicare coverage can start.

[1.7.1 Medicare Buy-In](https://bot-corpus.mn-dhs.online/s/epm/1.7.1)

[1.7.2 Direct Reimbursement of Medicare Premiums](https://bot-corpus.mn-dhs.online/s/epm/1.7.2)