Medicare and Medicaid Eligibility For Social Security Disability Recipients

Individuals who have been approved for disability benefits are entitled to either Medicare or Medicaid coverage. Those approved for Social Security Disability (SSD) will receive Medicare and those approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive Medicaid.

Recipients of SSD can receive Medicare benefits two years after the first month they are eligible for benefits; however, this does not mean every individual will have to wait the full two years.

Most of the time, the two year waiting period begins from the date you were entitled to SSD benefits. This is usually the date that your disability began also known as your alleged onset date, plus five months. (There is a five month waiting period for SSD benefits.) However, if your alleged onset date dates back far enough, you may have already fulfilled much or all of the two year waiting period.

It is also important to note, that those with low income and low assets may qualify for Medicaid during the Medicare waiting period; however, states have their own rules regarding Medicaid eligibility.

Claimants who are awarded SSI benefits will typically receive Medicaid coverage. Like SSI, Medicaid is based on your income and has asset limitations. Medicaid is a needs-based, state and county administered program. Recipients of SSI will not be eligible for Medicare coverage until they have reached the age of 65.

Some claimants can also be awarded both SSD and SSI benefits. In these cases, whether or not the claimant will receive Medicare or Medicaid coverage is not so clear cut.

Having a Social Security disability attorney handling your case can help cut through the confusion of Medicare and Medicaid coverage. They will also make sure you are getting any and all benefits you are entitled to. Contact Berger and Green today for a free no obligation consultation to discuss your case.