Yes - see related link.
The short answer is no, but there is a chance that when you need it you will be hit with a late penalty for delaying enrollment. This late penalty is waived for anyone who is eligible for Medicare benefits (age 65 or over) and has credible insurance coverage, but again, if you do NOT have credible health insurance then you will face a penalty later in life.
Medicare is a health insurance program for:people age 65 or older,people under age 65 with certain disabilities
Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older, under age 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease.
Same as always: 65.
At 65 there is no penalty tha I am aware of
yes
Medicare is not automatic. One should file an application 2-3 months prior to age 65.
Answers.com has no Medicare plans for the general public of any age.
65
One thing to remember about Medicare is that it is an individual plan. If you are on Medicare due to disability, that is your Medicare plan alone and your spouse would need to qualify on her own. Unless she has certain disabilities, your spouse would need to be turning 65 to qualify for Medicare. Check the link below to see about eligibility: http://www.medicare.gov/MedicareEligibility/home.asp?version=default&browser=IE%7C7%7CWindows+Vista&language=English
Medicare eligibility starts at age 65 except for disabled Social Security beneficiaries. Medicaid is available for indigent adults who have dependent children or are disabled as defined by Social Security regulations.
The law does not require enrollment in medicare. However, private insurance plans often contain a significant penalty for failing to do so.