Medicare is commonly and closely associated with seniors 65 and older. And while the majority of Medicare policyholders fit this category, this program is not exclusive to any particular age group. Yes, you can get Medicare under 65 – so long as you receive disability benefits through Social Security. However, that comes with its own set of requirements.
I Already Get Disability Benefits. When Can I Get Medicare?
If you’re receiving disability benefits, you don’t have to do anything on your end to sign up for Medicare. You just have to be on it for at least 24 months. Once 24 months have passed, you’ll receive a red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail. It’s important to hold onto this card, as you’ll need to present it to any healthcare professionals you see prior to getting treatments.
There are a few exceptions to the 24-month requirement. If you are diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), you can get Medicare coverage much sooner.
For ALS, your Medicare benefits begin as soon as you get disability benefits.
For ESRD, it’s three months after you begin getting dialysis treatments.
What If I Want To Switch to a Specific Medicare Program?
Despite the automatic enrollment into Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you have the freedom to enroll in other forms of Medicare (i.e. Medicare Advantage). This is because when you receive disability benefits, Medicare isn’t the only health insurance program you qualify for. There is a high probability that you qualify for Medicaid, too.
Medicaid eligibility guidelines are determined on the state level, not the federal level. Both Medicare and Medicaid allow you to have more than one insurance policy. For instance, those with employer-sponsored insurance can get Medicare. However, those with Medicaid are less likely to afford other types of insurance because a major aspect of it is meeting low-income requirements. If you have Medicaid, Medicare can be your second source for healthcare savings, and it can also help pay for your Medicare premiums.
This leads into the Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) from Medicare Advantage. This is a switch you’ll have to make on your own but is well worth the effort because it amplifies the magnitude of your combined Medicaid and Medicare coverage. This gives you other benefits, such as built-in prescription drug coverage and discounted dental, vision, and hearing services. It’s available through private insurance only, and the enrollment period takes place between October 15 and December 7 each year, known as the Annual Enrollment Period.
Learn More About Your Future Medicare Plan Today!
Whether you’re over or under 65, our efforts to provide top-notch customer service are the same. At Eldridge Agency, we stay ahead of the curve in the health insurance world because of our devotion to you. You come first because you deserve the best, and this is your chance to get a policy you need at the lowest price. Reach out to us today for more information.
