I write a lot about Medicare when it comes to being of retirement age. Every once in a while I like to check in with those of you who might actually be on Medicare due to a Disability.

There are a few different scenarios with Medicare for people who qualify for Social Security Disability. The first is the most broad. In this category, anyone who is entitled to monthly Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits on the basis of disability is automatically entitled to Medicare after receiving disability benefits for 24 months. People who are automatically enrolled in Medicare may keep or refuse Part B coverage. In most cases, if someone does not enroll in Part B when first eligible, they will have to pay a lifetime late enrollment penalty on the Part B monthly premium once enrolled

Heads up: Rules are different for disabled federal, state and local government employees who are not eligible for monthly Social Security or RRB benefits.

Individuals whose disability is ALS, are entitled to Medicare the 1st month they are entitled to Social Security or RRB disability cash benefits. There is no waiting period.

SSA rules do not allow for child disability benefits to begin earlier than age 18. Therefore, Part A entitlement can never begin before the month the person attains age 20 (or age 18 if the individual’s disability is ALS).

Another category is for those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Individuals are eligible for premium-free Part A if they receive regular dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant, have filed an application for Medicare, and meet one of the conditions outlined in the link at the end of this article. There are also different time frames for when Medicare coverage will start from the 1st month of transplant to the 3rd month of dialysis. (See link) Please note, when diagnosed with ESRD, you must apply for Medicare.

If you are on Medicare due to Disability and covered on an Employer Group Health plan, pay close attention to the rules. If the Employer has less than 100 employees, Medicare is Primary Payer and you must have Part A and B for the Employer Coverage to pay properly.

There is A LOT of information and fine print not included in this small article about becoming eligible for Medicare Parts A and B. Here are a couple links for full details:

https://www.cms.gov/medicare/enrollment-renewal/original-part-a-b
https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/medicare.htm

Because this becomes overwhelming, please reach out. I am always happy to help answer your questions. 720-665-6015 call or text to schedule a time to chat.