WHEN DO I GET MEDICARE?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for persons who receive Social Security disability OR who have attained their full retirement age (65 or 66 for many of us).

 If you are under your full retirement age and are awarded Social Security disability benefits, you will qualify for Medicare coverage 24 months after the date of your disability payment entitlement.  Keep in mind there is a 5 month "waiting period" before disability payments can begin. 

 For example:

 Mary is found to be disabled on March 1, 2012.  (Called the "established onset date")
Her first entitled payment will be for August, 2012.
She will become eligible for Medicare in August, 2014 (24 months after the first payment)

 There is a charge for Medicare coverage and it will be deducted from your Social Security check.  However, it is far less expensive than an equivalent private insurance plan. Medicare does not cover all health care costs, so a look at a supplemental policy may be advised.
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The Forsythe Firm
Huntsville, AL
Social Security Disability Advocates
PHONE:  (256) 799-0297

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