Medicare Advantage plans; applying for Medicare while receiving disability?
For those that have been approved for Social Security Disability benefits, it is a concern about medical coverage. If they have been unable to work, they lose their medical coverage after a [period of time. Often times, COBRA will pick up the slack in order to continue their medical coverage, but many can’t afford to pay the premiums.
If you have been accepted to receive SSDI, you will be eligible for Medicare after qualifying for SSDI benefits for 24 months. You will get notification in regards to applying for Medicare as you approach your eligibility period.
As a beneficiary of SSDI you qualify for Part A, which is hospitalization, of Medicare and must enroll even if you have other health coverage. Medicare Part A is at no cost for those that qualify. If you fail to enroll in Medicare Part A when offered, it may result in a pay back to SSDI benefits.
Medicare Supplemental Plans
Medicare supplemental plans will become your secondary insurance if you already have major medical coverage. That simply means that Medicare will cover any gaps that your primary insurance didn’t cover.
Medicare Part B is coverage for doctor’s visits and is also offered to SSDI recipients. Your income level will determine what your premiums are if you accept part B.
Medicare Advantage Plans
If you have both Medicare Part A and Part B you are then qualified to take part in Medicare Part C, also referred to as Medicare Advantage Plans. There are various Medicare Part C Advantage Plans which are comparable to other health plans. They offer pay for service, managed care plans and PPO.
Prescription drugs are covered by Medicare Part D. If you choose this coverage, you’re better off enrolling when you first enrolled in Medicare, as there is a penalty for signing up at a later time.
After the 24 months of enrollment in SSDI and have not been contacted in regards to Medicare, contact your SS Administration office for more information. The 24 months start from your date of eligibility, not the date you actually applied. Be mindful of both the date you applied and the date you actually started receiving benefits.
Whether collecting SSDI or just SSI your Medicare eligibility is not affected. Your income level will determine whether or not you will have to pay premiums for Medicare Parts B, C and D.
For more information about Senior Health Medicare Plans, please call us at (800) 484-0166