If you become eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you will also be eligible for Medicare. However, there are some important things to note when it comes to Social Security Disability and Medicare.
Social Security Disability and Medicare
You may have endured a long wait to be approved for your disability benefits. Unfortunately, Medicare also has a waiting period. You will not be entitled to Medicare benefits until you have been entitled to disability payments for two years.
This means that if you became disabled in January of 2018, you would have been entitled to disability benefits following a five-month wait period, beginning in June 2018. However, you would not be eligible for Medicare benefits until June 2020.
If you cannot afford your medical expenses after you have been approved for SSDI benefits but before you become eligible for Medicare, you may fall into the exception below.
Are There Any Exceptions?
As with most rules, there is an exception to this one. Kind of. If you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to SSDI, you can qualify for Medicaid benefits. The Medicaid benefits do not have a waiting period. However, you have to meet the income guidelines and other criteria set forth by the State of Florida – or whatever state you live in.
If you did not apply for and/or qualify for SSI in addition to SSDI, you should still contact your local Medicaid agency to see if it is an option for you.
Need Help?
If you are applying for SSDI or SSI benefits and have questions, contact a local attorney today.