If you are already receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or other Social Security Disability benefits, you will be enrolled automatically in Medicare when you become eligible. In most cases, you will become eligible for Medicare after you have been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for two years. If you have certain qualifying conditions, you may qualify for Medicare immediately. If you do not receive information regarding your enrollment within two years of the date your Social Security Disability claim has been accepted, contact the Social Security Administration. You can contact the SSA by telephone, via the Internet, or by visiting one of their field offices in person.
In most cases, you will be enrolled in both Part A and Part B. Plan A, which covers hospitalization and emergency services, doesn’t cost you anything. Part B, which is a form of medical insurance, does charge a modest premium. You can choose to opt out of Plan B if you prefer, but this means sacrificing major medical insurance. Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) and D (prescription drug coverage) are also available to most Social Security Disability benefits recipients.
Part C and Part D of Medicare are sold and overseen by private insurance companies. If you want to explore the possibility of obtaining these coverages, contact your insurance agent. Insurance companies which offer health insurance will generally also offer Medicare Part C and Part D plans.
It is worth pointing out that if you qualify for Medicare based on receiving Social Security Disability benefits, you will only be covered under Medicare as long as you receive Social Security Disability. Should your condition improve to the point that you are no longer considered disabled according to the Social Security Administration’s definition of complete disability, you could find yourself without Medicare benefits as well.
If you also receive Social Security Income, you may be eligible to have part or all of your premiums for Medicare Part B reimbursed. The amount you are eligible to have reimbursed to you is dependant on your financial need. If anything, the information regarding how much you will need to pay for Part B should be sent when you initially receive information about Medicare enrollment. If it isn’t, contact the Social Security Administration.
For most who are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, enrolling in Medicare is a fairly simple process; involving little or no hassle. However, this is not to say that the Social Security Administration never makes errors. If you should be eligible for Medicare based on your age (65 or over; in some instances 62 or over), or disability (receiving Social Security Disability benefits such as SSI or SSDI) and have not received information regarding your enrollment into Medicare Parts A and B, you should contact the Social Security Administration yourself.
In rare instances, if you perceive problems, you may also want to speak with a Social Security Disability attorney regarding your Medicare eligibility. If you used an attorney’s services during your Social Security Disability claims and appeals process, they can be one of your best sources of information regarding Medicare and other Social Security programs you may qualify for. Even if your claim was accepted without the help of a Social Security Disability representative, you might consider contacting one regarding any eligibility questions you have.
Another thing you should consider looking into at the time of enrollment into Medicare is whether your spouse and other dependents qualify for Medicare, based on your Social Security Disability benefits.
