A common question people have about Social Security Disability is: will I qualify for Medicare or Medicaid health care coverage? People receiving disability benefits are either not working or are not working enough hours to qualify for health insurance from an employer, so this is an important question.
If you or a loved one suffers from a disability and you have questions about disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), it is important to talk to a Social Security Disability lawyer in Phoenix at Dayes Law Firm for assistance. We can explain eligibility and how to pursue the disability benefits you deserve.
Medicare Eligibility
The Medicare program is a form of health insurance for those who are 65 and older. The program has two main parts. One part is hospital insurance, which most people do not have to pay for. The second is medical insurance. Most people who use this medical insurance pay premiums on a monthly basis. This program also provides financial assistance for prescription drugs.
How do I Qualify?
Anyone who is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is eligible for Medicare after a waiting period of 24 months. During this waiting period, you might be eligible for health insurance through a former employer, but you will need to contact the employer for more information.
You are also eligible for Medicare if you have end-state renal disease, which is permanent kidney failure with dialysis or a transplant.
In most cases, people who are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will not be eligible for Medicare until they reach age 65.
What Happens if I Work?
Individuals who receive Medicare can get up to 93 months of hospital and medical insurance once the trial work period ends, as long as they have a condition that qualifies as a disabling impairment. There is also no premium for hospital insurance.
Even if your SSDI benefits end, your Medicare health insurance will continue for those 93 months. Once those 93 months are up, you have the option to purchase Medicare insurance if you still have a disability.
Medicaid Eligibility
The Medicaid program is available through both state and federal insurance policies to provide for low-income individuals. It covers children, the elderly, those who suffer from disabilities or blindness and others who meet specific criteria.
Most states in the country provide Medicaid for citizens who are also eligible for Supplemental Security Income. The SSI applications in these states double as Medicaid applications. The remaining states require separate Medicaid and SSI applications and have different rules for both. When a person receives SSI, there is no waiting period for Medicaid.
How do I Qualify?
To qualify for Medicaid, the applicant must:
- Be eligible for an SSI payment for no less than one month
- Remain disabled
- Meet and maintain all other eligibility standards to include a resources test
- Have gross earned income that cannot replace SSI, Medicaid, or publicly-funded care
Set Up a Free Legal Consultation Today
When you or a loved one needs disability benefits, you should consider contacting an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer. The accomplished legal team at Dayes Law Firm is prepared to assist you throughout the process.
We can help you apply for benefits, explain eligibility rules and help ensure you have the proper documentation of your disability. We will thoroughly review your claim and work to achieve quick approval so you receive the benefits you need. However, if your claim is denied, we have extensive knowledge of Social Security laws and how to file an appeal.
We charge you nothing unless we are able to recover benefits. We will be there every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate and knowledgeable Social Security Disability lawyer.
You can reach us by phone at 1-800-503-2000.