Social Security Disability and Medicare

Lynn66

My husband has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the age of 61. He will be leaving his job and going on Social Security Disability before the year is over. If, I am understanding correctly, he will not be able to get Medicare for his medical expenses until after 24 months. Can someone tell me if this is indeed true.

Thanks, Lynn

Carl46

That is true. And the waiting period is 24 months after the date of entitlement to disability benefits, not from the date he stopped working. SSA establishes a date of onset of disability. Then there is a 5-month waiting period before entitlement to benefits, and 24 more months before entitlement to Medicare.

I worked for the SSA when disability beneficiaries were first entitled to Medicare. As I recall, some in Congress wanted to award Medicare to disabled people and some did not, and they compromised.

Welcome to the group, Lynn.

towhee

Pretty much yes that is true. He will receive Medicare 24 months after the date they determine he was disabled. Example: They might approve his claim on "date" but declare he was disabled starting on "date" (which is four months earlier, right after he stopped working). His 24 months starts being counted from there as do his payments. If he will not be eligible for Medicaid (different than medicare) then you need private insurance for two years.

Disability is important, you might want to consult a lawyer to make sure the forms get filled out right the first time. You want at least two pairs of eyes checking the forms.

Lynn66

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/282321#Comment_282321

Thank you that is very helpful and we do have an appointment for next week regarding Disability.

Lynn66

Thank you that is helpful!

AlekoW

Correct info. We had an SSDI atty; received SSDI award 3 months after application. I was a bit shocked. I guess the atty was totally worth their cut. If you're in SoCal I'm happy to recommend them.

My DW is 61 also. Welcome to the group.

Michele P

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/77111/social-security-disability-and-medicare

The 24 months is correct. They are placed on Medicare with SSDI. That cost comes out of his or her social security check automatically. You will have to pay taxes for the backpay amount you are paid in the tax year you are awarded. It does not matter if you have one year of back pay or years. The backpay goes back to the date you apply for SSDI. All of the backpay is taxable in that one year as earned income. This is a one time payment that is separate from month social security payments. I highly recommend that you use an SSDI lawyer to handle this claim. Ask your attorney who he or she would recommend. The attorney gets paid a flat fee when the case is settled. No upfront costs. Well worth every penny!