About 12.5% of people receiving Medicare are under 65 years old. These individuals in Maryland and across the United States are eligible because they are disabled. It should be noted, however, that qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare are two separate processes and those who receive SSDI may have a waiting period before they can receive Medicare coverage.
Automatic Medicare Coverage
People with end-stage renal disease who are in at least their fourth month of dialysis can get Medicare without waiting. Coverage starts immediately if doctors have placed the person on a kidney transplant list. Furthermore, people diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often called Lou Gehrig’s disease, are eligible if their Social Security Disability Insurance has started.
24-month waiting period for Social Security Disability recipients
Other people must wait two years after their disability payments begin to receive Medicare. Only some qualify for this monthly payment. Generally, to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance payments, the person must have worked for about 10 years to qualify. Furthermore, five years must have been within the past 10 years. Additionally, you must have been disabled for a year and have a condition expected to last at least another year.
Estate planning for families with a special needs family member
If you are disabled or have a disabled family member, you must create an estate plan. While there is no income limit to receive this insurance, the government may try to recoup the money spent on medical care from your estate, especially if you need long-term care.
Most people must wait two years after receiving government disability payments to receive Medicare. Still, that limit is much lower for people with end-stage renal disease, those on a kidney transplant list, or those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
