About Medicare Benefits for the Disabled

Medicare is the country's health-care plan that is paid for by payroll taxes from the working population. In effect, premiums are pre-paid while you are working. Retirees over 65 receive Medicare, as well as some citizens with disabilities. Medicare is divided into four parts that cover hospitalization, doctor care, prescriptions and overall health care. There are a number of criteria that must be met for disabled Social Security recipients to be eligible for Medicare benefits.

Eligibility

• People entitled to free Medicare benefits who are under the age of 65 must demonstrate that they meet certain criteria. Those who have been receiving Social Security disability for at least 24 months are eligible for Medicare. Others considered for free benefits include railroad retirees, those with Lou Gehrig's disease and those with permanent kidney failure. Widows and children of government employees who have paid into the system may qualify for benefits.

Premiums

• Medicare Part B, the program that covers doctor's services, outpatient services, home care and physical therapy, is available for anyone eligible for Medicare Part A, the hospital coverage. Nearly 95 percent of Medicare recipients pay an average of 25 percent of the premium for Part B coverage. Those with higher incomes may pay up to 80 percent of the premium cost. The standard premium for those with incomes below $85,000 per year is $96.40 a month for Part B coverage.

Financial Aid

• Financial aid is available for Medicare-eligible recipients with or without a disability who cannot afford the premiums for Medicare Part B or for prescription coverage offered under Part D. Those with a limited income who cannot meet the monthly premiums must not have more than $4,000 in savings or other investment funds in order to qualify for assistance. Check with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for more information and to apply for assistance.

Enrollment

• You may enroll for Medicare as soon as you become eligible. At the time, you will be given the option of enrolling in Medicare Part B. There is an open enrollment period every year from January 1 to March 31, during which time you can register for additional coverage or make changes to your policy. Changes go into effect on July 1 of that same year. Go to the Medicare website for enrollment forms, or call [phone] to have them sent to you. A line for the hearing-impaired is available at [phone].

Additional Help

• There is additional assistance for many people who become disabled and must wait two years for Medicare benefits to kick in. Check with your social services office to see if you are eligible for Medicaid, a state-run health insurance program for low-income citizens. Many low-income people with disabilities continue to receive Medicaid benefits after they become eligible for Medicare to pay for prescriptions and other services not covered by Medicare.