The word “disability” is one we often hear these days. What exactly is a disability and what does it have to do with Medicare?
A “disability” is defined as “a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities” and “a disadvantage or handicap, especially one imposed or recognized by the law”.
To receive Medicare, you must first apply and then be approved for Social Security Disability benefits. Please contact your local Social Security office for more details on documents required to apply. Once you qualify for the Social Security Disability payments, you will qualify for Medicare; and here is some information you need to know about when coverage starts and what type of coverage you are entitled to.
After you have been approved for Social Security Disability Benefits, you have a two-year waiting period for medical benefits through Medicare. This means your Medicare medical benefits will not start for two years (i.e. 24 months). If you are coming off a group, you are required to take cobra. You might qualify for Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act, but again, if you are coming off a group, you are required to take COBRA.
If your application approval is delayed, they will likely go back to the original application date for the approval; however, this is determined by the Social Security office. For example, this could happen if you had to file an appeal. Your 24-month waiting period for medical benefit under Medicare will start on your approval date, even if it is back dated. Just remember, there is a 24-month waiting period.
Now that you understand about the waiting period, here is what you are entitled to in Medicare.
You automatically get Part A and Part B after you get one of these:
- Medicare disability benefits after your 24 months waiting period
- Medicare disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board after your 24-month waiting period and
- You will get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 25th month of disability
Gaps in Medicare:
Medicare for the disabled is no different for Medicare who are 65 plus. Medicare is Medicare and Medicare has a part A Hospital deductible and a part B annual deductible, plus 20% of your part B bills. Therefore, you need something to cover the Gaps in Medicare and you need a drug plan.
Cost of Medicare Disability plans:
The cost for a Medicare Advantage plan is the same price regardless of age or your disability. That is not the case for a Medicare Supplement. Currently, a Medicare Supplement plan for someone turning 65 is roughly $120.00/month. If you are under 65, the price is roughly $400.00-$500.00/month. Therefore, very few people buy a Medicare Supplement if they are under the age of 65.
In this case, why pay $6,000.00/year for a Medicare Supplement when you can get a Medicare Advantage plan for a zero monthly premium in my zip codes. Medicare Advantage plans also include drug coverage.
Extra Help: it can greatly reduce your annual prescription cost and many people qualify for it, but do not even know.
We encourage you to call our office and let our team of experts explain this process and answer any questions. Hopefully you will never have a disability that keeps you from working and living a long, productive life, but it’s good to know there is coverage if you or a loved one happen to become disabled.
Please call our office at (228) 762-3334 so we can help! We want the best for you and that is why we put the Care in Medicare!