If you are under the age of 65 and receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits, you may be eligible for Medicare benefits.
After 24 months of SSDI benefits you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. However, if you are receiving benefits due to a specific disability such as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare without the 24-month waiting period.
In either case, you'll receive your Medicare card in the mail. If Medicare enrolls you after 24 months of receiving SSDI, you'll get your card about three months before your 25th month of disability benefits. If you don't want Part B, follow the instructions that come with the card.
Once you are enrolled in Medicare you can decide if you want to enroll in Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) or Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage).
If you are eligible for Medicare
Medicare-eligible people with disabilities may be able to take advantage of these options:
- Get help paying for Medicare
- Medicare Advantage plans
- Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs) (Plans for people with specific conditions)
- Medigap (Medicare supplement) plans (People under age 65 with disabilities have limited options)
- Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) Basic Plan (You must meet eligibility requirements)
- Employer/retiree insurance plan