When Does Initial Enrollment for Medicare Begin for Persons Who Are Disabled?

Many people know that Medicare is a government-sponsored health insurance program for people aged 65 and older. What many people do not know is that individuals under 65 who have disabilities, permanent kidney damage and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may also qualify for medicare. It is important to know when your initial enrollment period for Medicare begins.

Part A

• Medicare Part A covers hospitalizations. If you are not 65, you can still be eligible for medicare Part A if you have been entitled to Social Security disability for 24 months, receive social security disability benefits because you have Lou Gehrig's disease, or you meet the requirements for the social security disability program and have worked in a government job where medicare taxes were paid.

Part B

• Medicare Part B is insurance for regular medical expenses, excluding hospital stays. Anyone who is eligible for Part A is eligible for Part B. According to SSA.gov, some beneficiaries with higher incomes may pay a higher monthly premium for Part B.

When to Apply

• If you are already receiving disability benefits, SSA.gov says you will be contacted a few months before you become eligible for Medicare. If you live in the 50 states or Washington, DC, you will be automatically enrolled. You have the option to turn down Part B. If you are disabled but have not applied for disability benefits, you should contact social security about applying.

Enrollment

• When you first become eligible for Part A, you have a seven-month period in which to sign up for Part B. If you delay, you may experience a delay in coverage and higher premiums. According to SSA.gov, your initial enrollment period depends on the date your disability began. If you do not enroll during this initial time, you will still be able to enroll during the "general enrollment period," which occurs every year from January 1 through March 31.