Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily available to those over the age of 65, but it is also available to some disabled persons under the age of 65. If you are younger than 65 and disabled, you must observe a 24-month waiting period for Medicare, during which time you may collect Social Security Disability Insurance. Depending on any previous disability and the onset date of your current disability, however, you may already have credit for some of the 24 months and may qualify for Medicare sooner than two years.
You Will Get Credit for the Time You Wait for a Disability Decision
Because it can take up to two years to get a decision when you apply to the Social Security Administration for SSDI, you may qualify for up to 12 months of “back pay,” or retroactive benefits. The 12 months will also be applied to the two-year waiting period for Medicare, meaning you would only have to wait one year to qualify for Medicare. The experienced disability attorneys at Keller & Keller will help you understand the time frame for SSDI and Medicare.
Exceptions to the Two-Year Waiting Period
In some cases, those with a disability can receive expedited Medicare coverage. If you have been diagnosed with either of the following, you will be covered by Medicare sooner:
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD) with kidney failure. If you require ongoing dialysis or a kidney transplant, Medicare coverage can begin within three months of beginning dialysis.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Individuals with ALS qualify for Medicare as soon as they are eligible to receive disability benefit payments.
When you are unable to work due to a medical condition, getting benefits and insurance coverage are vital to your wellbeing.
In Indiana, Call Keller & Keller
As one of the top-rated Indianapolis disability attorneys, Hoosiers call on us to help them obtain the Social Security benefits they deserve. When you are seeking Social Security Disability Insurance and think you may also qualify for Medicare, contact our office to see how we can help. We are committed to helping you get the benefits you need and deserve.
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