DO I GET MEDICARE OR MEDICAID?

When a person qualifies for a disability benefit through the Social Security Administration, it comes with either Medicare or Medicaid coverage.  Which one depends on the type of claim.

Medicare comes with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).  This is the normal program where a worker has paid into Social Security over the years through payroll deduction.  There is a 29-month waiting period for Medicare to begin.  That is, it starts 29 months after the onset of disability.  For example, if a person is found to have become disabled on June 1, 2019, Medicare begins 29 months later (regardless of how long it took to get the case settled).

Medicaid comes with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a different type of program.  SSI is a needs based program for aged or disabled persons who have restricted incomes and financial resources.  There is no waiting period for Medicaid. Coverage begins the next month following an approved application.  For example, Mr. Claimant filed an application for SSI in February, claiming disability as of February 10th.  The application was approved in May.  Medicare would be retroactive to March (the month after the application was filed).

In some cases, a claimant may get both SSDI and SSI benefits.  In these situations, the individual may get both Medicare and Medicaid.  This would be possible when a claimant has very low income, gets a very small SSDI benefit, and qualifies for a supplemental SSI payment.