Disability Medicare
Medicare is available for those with certain disabilities, even if the person is under 65. This coverage can help cover the cost of therapies and supplies that are medically necessary.
If you have a disability, this page has information about getting Medicare.
Disability Medicare: Are There Age Requirements?
If a disability makes you eligible for Medicare, there’s no age requirement. You can be 65, 78, 43, etc.
Those under 65 can enroll, and it won’t impact the coverage available.
While Medicaid offers coverage for all ages, individuals must meet certain income requirements. If the person doesn’t meet the criteria, Medicare might be the best choice.
If You’re Under 65 and Have a Disability
You automatically get Parts A and B (Original Medicare) after you get one of the following:
- Disability benefits from Social Security for two years
- Specific disability benefits from the RRB for two years
Some people may decide to delay Part B.
If you automatically get Original Medicare, you don’t have to “sign up” — your red, white, and blue card will show up in the mail three months before the 25th month of disability.
You can also get a drug plan. When choosing how to get your Medicare coverage, you may consider:
- A Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan
- A Part D (prescription drug) plan
There are particular times when you can enroll in these plans or make changes to your existing coverage.
If You Have ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neuromuscular disorder that affects more men than women.
If you have ALS, you automatically get Parts A and B the month that your disability benefits start. Some people may decide to delay Part B.
If you automatically get A and B, you don’t have to “sign up” — your red, white, and blue card will be in the mail the month your benefits begin.
You can also get a drug plan. When choosing how to get your Medicare coverage, you may consider:
- A Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan
- A Part D (prescription drug) plan
There are particular times when you can enroll in these plans or make changes to your existing coverage.
If You’re Under 65, Have a Disability, and Want to Return to Work
If you’d like to go back to work, you’re allowed to keep your Medicare coverage — for as long as you’re disabled.
Returning to work means you won’t need to pay your Part A premium for the initial 8.5 years. After that, you’ll need to pay it.
If you can’t afford this premium, your state may help you out. You may qualify for the Medicare Savings Program, aka Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB). This state program helps pay Original Medicare premiums and other cost-sharing (deductibles, copays, and coinsurance) for those who have Part A and limited income.
Not Sure if You Qualify?
If you’re not enrolled in Medicare, you may be missing out on important coverage. If you think you might qualify for disability Medicare, reach out to us and we can review the requirements with you.
