After you have been deemed disabled by the SSA, you will be offered one of two public health insurance options: Medicare or Medicaid.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older; however, disabled individuals under 65 years old who receive SSD benefits can also qualify.
Medicare is paid through FICA taxes, the same taxes that are paid towards Social Security and Social Security Disability benefits.
Once a person, who is under the age of 65, begins receiving SSD benefits, they can begin receiving Medicare 24 months later.
It is important to know that there are different levels of Medicare that provide different levels of coverage.
Part A coverage includes hospitalization and Part B covers doctor’s appointments and emergency room visits. Part C is your private insurance option purchased by you, that expands upon parts A and B. Part D is your prescription drug coverage.
Those on Medicare, like most health insurances, may still be responsible for some out-of-pocket costs for their treatment.
Medicaid is co-funded at the federal and state tax levels and is designed for low income recipients.
To be eligible for Medicaid, an individual must meet certain limits on things like income and value of assets owned. In most states, the requirements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid are the same.
Unlike Medicare who has several different parts, Medicaid typically covers all primary care and medical treatment. Patients are not responsible for copayments and other associating costs.
You must be eligible for SSI for at least one month prior to receiving Medicaid coverage.
If you are considering applying for either SSD or SSI benefits, do not delay. Contact an experienced Social Security Disability Attorney to find out how.
If you become disabled and will be unable to work or your disability is life threatening, do not hesitate to apply. The process for receiving these monthly payments and benefits can take a long time. It is important that you begin the application process early so that you can begin receiving benefits as soon as possible.
Call the Social Security Disability attorneys at Berger and Green at 412-661-1400 for a free no obligation consultation to discuss your claim.
Source: SSA.GOV