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SSD and Medicare Benefits

Social Security Disability (SSD) and Medicare are federal programs for senior citizens and those with some kind of disability that prevents them from having a steady job that would provide for their monthly income. Medicare is a type of health insurance for seniors that helps them to pay for medical treatment. SSD offers compensation for those with a disability, senior or not.

  1. Social Security Disability Insurance

    • The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a Social Security Disability program benefit. It is a type of insurance for those who have become disabled due to accidents or diseases and who, because of this condition, are prevented from earning an income for themselves and their families. You qualify for this benefit if you have worked enough to pay for Social Security tax and if your disability condition is considered long-term. This disability must be expected to either last for more than a year or result in death. Payments start on the sixth month of the disability. To apply for this benefit, go to the Social Security website.

    Supplemental Security Income

    • The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another benefit from the Social Security Disability program. This benefit is specifically designed to help people with low incomes who have a disability condition, who are blind or who are 65 or older. Unlike SSDI, a history of tax payment is not necessary for you to qualify for this program. This benefit also comes in the form of monthly payments, which are fixed throughout the country. Disabled or blind children can also receive this benefit. To apply for this benefit, go to the Social Security website (see "References").

    Medicare Part A

    • Medicare Part A is a benefit from the Medicare program. These benefits are exclusive to older citizens who have reached retirement age, usually 65 or older. Medicare Part A helps seniors to pay for hospital costs and is also known as hospital insurance. Since Medicare Part A is funded by Medicare taxes that you pay, when you reach retirement age, you are automatically enrolled. If you receive SSD benefits, you are also automatically enrolled on Part A.

    Medicare Part B

    • Medicare Part B is another benefit from the Medicare program. However, Part B enrollment is voluntary, and it requires payment of monthly premiums. It helps to pay for doctor visits and preventive services. If you are a beneficiary of an SSD benefit, your monthly premium for Part B is deducted from your monthly benefit. Even though Part B is voluntary, you are automatically enrolled when you reach 65 years of age. If you do not desire to be enrolled, when you receive your Medicare insurance card, follow its instructions and send it back.

    Medicare Part C

    • Medicare Part C is also a voluntary benefit of the Medicare program. With Part C, you can choose a health plan offered by a private company approved by Medicare. This benefit has the same coverage as Part A and Part B, plus emergency and urgent care. Whether you must pay for this benefit will depend upon the private company you choose, as some may charge monthly premiums in addition to your Part B coverage. Choose a plan and submit an application to that company.

    Medicare Part D

    • Part D is a Medicare benefit that helps you to pay for prescription drugs. It is also voluntary, and you need to pay a monthly premium based on the type of plan you choose and the coverage it offers. You can enroll by calling the company you choose, and you have a period of six months in which to do so. (This period lasts from three months before you turn 65 to three months afterward.)

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