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Medicare Disability Rules

Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits provide financial assistance to individuals who have medically documented disabilities which prevent them from working for one year or more at any job, or who may die from their disability. Although people of any age who become disabled can apply for Social Security Disability, those over 62 can receive Medicare and/or Medicaid benefits as well. However, according to the Social Security Administration, additional rules and limitations apply to receiving Medicare when disabled.

  1. Dates of Eligibility

    • Generally, individuals receiving Social Security Disability can expect to receive Medicare benefits 24 months after the date of entitlement. According to Disability Secrets, a website maintained by a former disability claims specialist, this date is computed from the date established for the onset of the disability, plus a five month waiting period before disability benefits can start. However, individuals under 65 with Lou Gehrig's disease get Medicare benefits from the first month of collecting disability.

    Concurrent Benefits

    • The Social Security Admiistration provides information on concurrent benefits.

      Not everyone who applies is granted Social Security Disability. SSD benefits are awarded to those with full-time and continuing disability, not for short-term or reversible disabilities. Under some circumstances, applicants may receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a cash benefit for those with low incomes and a limited work history. Generally, recipients of SSI receive Medicaid, not Medicare. However, some claimants receive concurrent benefits, drawing assistance from both SSD and SSI. These individuals may need to contact their local Social Security office to clarify their Medicare eligibility.

    Disability and Medicare Parts A, B, C and D

    • Some Medicare benefits require additional premiums.

      Medicare has several parts. Individuals receiving SSD automatically receive Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalization, free of charge. However, if they elect to receive Part B, which covers additional health services, such as doctor visits, outpatient care and home nursing, they must pay a premium. Likewise, the Medicare-related plans Medicare Advantage (Part C), which supplements Part A, and Part D, which offers prescription drug coverage, are available for an additional premium to all holders of Part A.

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