Can I Get Medicare or Medicaid While Receiving Social Security Disability Payments? 

After being approved for disability benefits, whether you receive Medicaid or Medicare will depend on whether you’re also getting SSI or SSDI benefits. Those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are eligible for Medicaid, while those who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD or SSDI) qualify for Medicare. However, SSD recipients won’t receive medical benefits from Medicare until two years after their application has been approved. Those who receive SSI don’t have to wait before receiving Medicaid. Let’s take a closer look at SSI, SSDI, and Medicare/Medicaid. 

Medicaid for Disabled Persons on SSI 

Some states have higher asset and income limits for the SSI program than for the Medicaid program, so they determine Medicaid approvals separately. However, most states automatically approve disabled people for Medicaid benefits when they are approved for SSI. 

Medicare for Disabled Persons on SSI 

If you’ve been approved for SSI, can you receive Medicare coverage? In most states, SSI claimants normally only receive Medicaid insurance. Keep in mind that Medicaid is based on asset and income limitations. It’s a county- and state-administered program for low-income individuals that helps them pay for prescriptions and doctor visits every month. It may even pay for nursing home care in some circumstances. 

If you receive SSI, will you ever qualify for Medicare? SSI recipients only qualify for Medicare coverage once you reach the age of 65 and if you only received SSI and no other disability payments. Once you reach 65 years of age, you can complete an “uninsured Medicare claim” and save your state from paying for Medicaid coverage. Instead, they reduce costs by paying your medical premium for Medicare. 

Medicare also provides “Extra Help” for individuals with limited assets and income to cover prescription drug costs. Extra Help pays for the premiums and co-pays of a Medicare prescription drug plan. See the Social Security Administration website to apply. 

Medicare/Medicaid for Concurrent Benefit Recipients 

Sometimes people approved for disability benefits receive both SSDI and SSI payments. In these cases, deciding whether they’ll get Medicaid or Medicare coverage isn’t so simple. When in doubt, you or your lawyer should contact the Social Security office in your area to determine eligibility. 

Knowing how and if to apply for SSI or SSDI can be confusing. By hiring a benefits attorney at the Disability Help Center, you’ll have someone on your side to make things easier. Let us help you gather the needed documentation, work with medical professionals, and track the status of your application or appeal. It all starts with a free consultation, so call us today at 1-888-418-8860.