What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65?
What Happens To My Medicare Disability When I Turn 65?
If you struggle with a disability, particularly one that keeps you from being able to work and earn an income, you are likely interested in receiving any disability benefits for which you might be eligible. This is understandable. After all, life continues and bills keep arriving, regardless of whether you are disabled or not.
Understandably, disability benefits of this nature become essential to providing financial support for disabled individuals and for their families. As a result, many who are receiving these benefits wonder what will happen when they reach retirement age, usually around age 65. It’s a reasonable and important question to ask. After all, many disabled individuals rely solely, or in large part, on the financial security and support that those benefits provide.
Frequently asked questions include: Can I Receive Social Security Disability Benefits and Medicare Disability Benefits Simultaneously?
The good news is that those who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), also automatically qualify for Medicare. While all citizens above age 65 qualify for Medicare, some who are younger than 65 but who have certain disabilities may also qualify. Most SSDI recipients generally qualify for Medicare approximately 24 months after they become eligible for disability benefits, although the waiting period may be waved for people with particularly severe conditions like ALS or end-stage renal disease.
By contrast, those who are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from the Social Security Administration generally do not also have Medicare eligibility. However, SSI recipients in most states will qualify for Medicaid, a federal health insurance program for those with low incomes.
It’s important to keep in mind that Medicare coverage which is linked to the receipt of SSDI benefits will usually be terminated if SSDI benefits stop because the illness or injury improves to the point that Social Security no longer considers it to be disabling. The Social Security Administration will conduct periodic reviews to verify continuing medical eligibility for benefits.
What Happens When I Reach Retirement Age?
Reaching retirement age can be exciting in any number of ways. It can be a time of newfound freedom to enjoy life and indulge in hobbies and time with loved ones. For disabled individuals, however, reaching retirement age can also be somewhat stressful, as many find themselves wondering whether doing so will ultimately affect their eligibility to continue receiving Social Security or Medicare disability benefits.
- SSDI Benefits: Insofar as Social Security Disability Insurance is concerned, recipients should know that benefits will change from being “disability” benefits to being “retirement” benefits at the appropriate time. No action is necessary, and generally, beneficiaries continue to receive their monthly check as always. It’s important to realize that the check will not be double the previous amount, however. The amount will usually remain the same, as individuals cannot collect Social Security disability and retirement benefits at the same time.
- Medicare Disability Benefits: Essentially, when an individual who is receiving Medicare for a disability turns 65, that entitlement to Medicare shifts from being disability-based to being age-based. Upon turning 65, a new card may be issued, and a second open enrollment period will be offered to allow individuals to change plans if desired. Usually, individuals are allowed three months before and three months after their birthday in which to make changes to their existing plans, add prescription options, or otherwise make necessary and desired changes. For example, those who were disabled and received Medicare Part A before age 65 but did not accept Part B at that time, maybe enrolled in Medicare Part B upon reaching age 65. Being enrolled in Part B will allow individuals the option of also receiving Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance, for which they may not previously have been eligible under Part A alone.
While these answers to frequently asked questions are intended to be helpful, they are certainly no substitute for advice based upon your unique circumstances from an attorney who knows and understands the law pertaining to disability benefits. At MJ Ellis Disability Law, we’re here to help.
Mj Ellis Disability Law – Here for You
Wherever you are in the process of seeking disability benefits, we’ll meet you there, and we’ll help you to move forward confidently, and with the expert guidance and representation, you need on your side. Being disabled is difficult in so many ways – and you don’t need the added stress of worrying about legal matters. Instead, leave those matters to us. At MJ Ellis Disability Law, our talented and experienced team of disability lawyers can pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf as you seek the benefits you need and deserve. If you’re ready to get started, we’re here to help. Call us today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
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