What Disabilities Qualify for Medicare?

Medicare isn’t just for people age 65 and older. You may also qualify if you have a disability and are under 65.

You can get Medicare if:

• You’ve received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months
• You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and need dialysis or have had a kidney transplant
• You have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and are getting SSDI

Note: After being approved for SSDI benefits, there is a mandatory 5-month waiting period before SSDI payments begin.

When Does Medicare Start?

• ESRD – Starts about 3 months after dialysis begins or right after a kidney transplant. For example, if you start dialysis on July 1^st, your coverage would likely begin on October 1^st, however there are exceptions.
• ALS – Starts right away when SSDI payments begin

If you get SSDI, you’ll usually be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.. If you don’t get SSDI, you may still be able to buy Medicare by paying a monthly fee.

How Do People with Disabilities Enroll in Medicare?

If you qualify, your Medicare card should arrive by mail. If you don’t get it or have questions, contact your local Social Security office.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare covers the same services for people with disabilities as it does for those 65 and older. You can get care like:

• Hospital stays
• Doctor visits
• Nursing care
• Home health services
• Therapy

You can get care even if:

• It’s to maintain your condition (not improve it)
• You have long-term illnesses like dementia, mental illness, or Parkinson’s

You cannot be denied just because of your condition or diagnosis.

Medicare for People Working with a Disability

Medicare eligibility for working people with disabilities falls into three distinct time frames.

1. Trial Work Period (TWP): 9 months
2. Extended Period of Medicare Coverage (EPMC): 93 more months
3. Unlimited time after that, as long as you’re still considered medically* disabled

*Keep in mind that Medicare eligibility during each of these periods applies only while the individual continues to meet the medical standard for being considered disabled under Social Security rules.

KelseyCare Advantage is Here for You

If you’re living with a qualifying disability and exploring your Medicare options, let us guide you. Our licensed local agents are available to answer any questions you might have about our coverage. Call us today at 713-442-5646.