Getting Medicare If You Have a Disability
Medicare is available for certain Florida and Texas residents with disabilities who are under 65. These people must have received Social Security Disability Benefits for two years or have ESRD or ALS.
There’s a five-month waiting period after a Medicare beneficiary is deemed disabled before they begin to collect Social Security Disability Benefits. Those with ESRD and ALS do NOT have to collect benefits for two years to qualify for Medicare.
The criteria for Medicare eligibility for those with ESRD and ALS are:
- ESRD — Typically three months after a course of regular dialysis or after a kidney transplant.
- ALS — Immediately after collecting Social Security disability benefits.
Lacayo Group Insurance will identify the Medicare benefits available for people with disabilities and explain how to enroll.
You’re Under 65 and Have a Disability
In this case, you automatically get Medicare Parts A and B after you receive one of these:
Disability benefits from Social Security for two years
Certain disability benefits from the RRB for two years
Some people in Florida may choose to delay Part B enrollment. If you automatically get Parts A and B, you don’t need to sign up. You’ll get your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 25th month of disability benefits. If you don’t get this card or other questions come up, contact your local Social Security office.
When you choose how to get your Medicare coverage, you may decide on:
- A Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan
- Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
