by John Darer® CLU ChFC MSSC CeFT RSP CLTC
Before they can get on Medicare, people with disabilities, who are under age 65, must first RECEIVE Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months.
But SSDI generally does not begin until five months after an individual’s disability has been certified. As a result, people with disabilities face three consecutive waiting periods prior to getting health coverage:
(1) a determination of SSDI approval from the Social Security Administration; Among the requirements worth mentioning is that there is a "recent work" test and "duration of work" test requirement in most cases to determine eligibility for SSDI.
(2) a five-month waiting period to receive SSDI; AND,
(3) another 24-month waiting period to get Medicare coverage.
Limber up! You have 3 hurdles to negotiate in order to get Medicare if you're under age 65!
Last update August 19, 2022