Medicare is a federal health insurance program designated for those 65 years of age or older, or younger individuals with eligible disabilities. Then, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits program is a federal insurance program that is payroll tax-funded, made for individuals with medically determinable disabilities that restricts their ability to be employed. Based on these brief descriptions, you may believe that you qualify for both federal programs. However, the question lies in whether you can participate in both programs simultaneously. Well, continue reading to learn whether you can receive both Medicare and SSDI benefits and how an experienced New Jersey Medicare & Medicaid attorney at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur can help you get this financial assistance.
Can I receive Medicare and SSDI benefits at the same time?
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), every individual eligible for SSDI benefits is also eligible for the Medicare program. Importantly, this eligibility starts after a 24-month qualifying period. Now, during this qualifying period, an individual may still be qualified to receive health insurance coverage through their former employer. This qualification cannot be assumed, though, and must be taken up personally with the former employer.
How does the SSA count the 24-month qualifying period for the Medicare program?
Essentially, for every month an individual receives SSDI benefits, the SSA will count a month towards the 24-month qualifying period. Now, it is typical that these 24 months are not linear but rather pause and resume sporadically. It is okay for this to happen, as the SSA will also consider previous months of disability as part of the overall 24-month qualifying period. More specifically, the SSA may make the following calculations:
- The SSA may count previous months of disability if a new disability started within 60 months after the termination month of the individual’s previous SSDI benefits.
- The SSA may count previous months of disability if a new disability started within 84 months after the termination month of the individual’s widow’s or widower’s benefits or childhood disability benefits.
- The SSA may count previous months of disability at any time if the current disability is the same as, or directly related to, the previous disability, which was the basis for the individual’s original SSDI benefits.
Further, the SSA may allow an individual to continue to receive Medicare coverage for 93 months after their trial work period. But this is so long as they still have an eligible disability, of course.
We understand how complex it can be to get the financial assistance you need. But if you think now is the time to get started on your Medicare or SSDI benefits application, then please reach out to a skilled attorney in SSDI eligibility in New Jersey. Our team at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur is well-equipped to take on your case.
