Medicare for People with Disabilities
I'm disabled, how do I become eligible for Medicare?
If you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be eligible for Medicare even if you have not reached age 65. Medicare benefits generally will not be effective, however, until 24 months after the date Social Security determines you were disabled. People diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are eligible for Medicare sooner. For more information, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or www.ssa.gov
For more general information regarding your benefits, please explore the pages of this website that explain Medicare coverage and options, or call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 to schedule a confidential appointment.
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What other health care coverage is available?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for health benefits through:
- Your employer
- The employer of your spouse or parent
- Medi-Cal (Medicaid)
- Medicare Savings Programs
- Workers Compensation
For more information, call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 to schedule a confidential appointment.
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What happens to my Medicare coverage when I turn 65?
People who have Medicare due to a disability have another Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare Advantage Part C and Part D Prescription Coverage when they turn 65. People diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), however, may not enroll in Medicare Advantage Part C.
If you were eligible for Medicare prior to your 65th birthday due to a disability, you are entitled to an Open Enrollment period for Medigap (Medicare Supplemental Insurance) at age 65 irregardless of pre-existing health conditions including End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
For more information, call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 to schedule a confidential appointment.
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