MEDICARE OR MEDICAID WITH DISABILITY

When you are approved for SSDI benefits, you will get Medicare coverage after the appropriate waiting period.

When approved for SSI benefits, you will get Medicaid benefits almost immediately.

Let's talk about the waiting period for SSDI.  It is 29 months from the onset date of your disability, as determined by Social Security.  However, if you reach age 65 prior to this date, Medicare will begin as of your 65th birthday.

Medicare is only available with an SSDI benefit.  SSDI is the standard Social Security disability benefit, based on the fact that you worked and paid into Social Security.  Medicare has two primary parts:

Part A:  Covers hospitalization.  No cost for Part A.

Part B:  Covers many outpatient medical expenses.  Typical premium for Part B is $144.60 per month.

If you didn't have the required number of work credits, you have filed a Supplemental Security Income or SSI claim.  SSI benefits do not qualify for Medicare but do qualify for Medicaid.  Medicaid usually becomes effective the month following your approved application.

Many people fail to realize what a great value Medicare and Medicaid are.  These two programs provide inexpensive medical insurance coverage which allows the beneficiary to receive excellent medical care.  And Medicare costs a fraction of what a private medical insurance plan would cost.  (You simply cannot buy a quality medical plan for $144 per month in today's marketplace).

In most cases, Medicaid is free to the beneficiary; you don't usually pay anything for it.