I am frequently asked by clients if they will receive Medicare after being approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The answer is yes; however, there is a waiting period associated with Medicare and Social Security disability.
Generally, when a person turns 65 years old, they are eligible for Medicare coverage. Those receiving Social Security disability can receive Medicare earlier than 65. However, beneficiaries of Social Security disability are only eligible for Medicare after a 24-month qualifying period. For example, say Social Security found you to be disabled on February 2, 2023. Social Security then requires you to wait 5 full months before receiving Social Security disability benefits. Therefore, monetary benefits would begin August 2023. You then are required to be disabled for an additional 24 months before receiving coverage for Medicare. In this example, Medicare coverage would begin in August of 2025.
There are two exceptions to this rule. The 24 month waiting period is waived if you have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or end stage renal disease. The 24 month waiting period is waived for those with ALS because the disease can progress rapidly and requires a high level of medical care. The 24 month waiting period is waived for end stage renal disease as it requires dialysis treatment and a possible kidney transplant.
For more information on Social Security disability and Medicare, contact an experienced Social Security disability attorney at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today at 251-343-1111 for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. represents Social Security disability claimants in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana at all levels of the disability process from initial application to appeals to Federal Court.