Know your Medicare options with The Medicare Helpline.

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Medicare Disability Coverage

Regardless of age, if you are disabled and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be able to receive Medicare disability coverage.

Medicare Disability Coverage Options

To receive Medicare, the first step is to apply for SSDI. To be eligible, you must be permanently disabled, meaning you are unable to work for at least 12 consecutive months or have a condition that prevents you from performing expected job responsibilities and are unable to find a replacement due to age, education or physical limits. Additionally, you must have previously worked a job where you paid Social Security taxes and comply with your medical professional’s recommended course of treatment.

If this describes your situation, you can apply for Social Security Disability through the Social Security Administration at https://www.ssa.gov/.

Applying for Medicare Disability Coverages

Once you have been collecting Social Security Disability for at least 24 months, you’re eligible to apply for Medicare disability coverage if:

  • You have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease). You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B and will have the option to enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to help cover the cost of medications.

  • You have collected Social Security disability for at least two years (24 months). You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B at the beginning of the 25th month. You can also enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) as early as three months before the 25th month of your SSDI.

  • You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD). If you have ESRD (also known as kidney failure), you must enroll in all parts of Medicare manually by logging into https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/ or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-0078) M-F between 7AM and 7PM. You can also visit your local Social Security office to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B.

Cost of Medicare Disability Coverage

  • Medicare Part A is required, even if you’re covered through your employer or your spouse’s employer. You cannot decline Part A unless willing to pay back SSDI benefits that have been received.

  • Medicare Part B has a monthly premium, but you can disenroll if you have other health insurance coverage through your employer or your spouse’s employer.

  • You can expect co-pays and deductibles, even with Medicare disability coverage. If you don’t have insurance through an employer and you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A & Part B), you may want to consider adding a Medicare Supplement Plan or opt for the Original Medicare alternative, a Medicare Advantage Plan.

The Medicare Helpline is Here to Help Find the Right Medicare Disability Coverage

Our licensed insurance agents can provide side-by-side plan comparisons to help you better understand your options for Medicare coverage. Don’t miss out on the benefits you deserve. Get started by entering your zip below:

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