Melody - thats the difference - you have a Medicare HMO! Costs are very different!

Meds, at least in Calif - are not consided DME (durable medical equipment)...

Again, in California all SSDI claims are made by mail - you are contacted by phone with a plethera of questions - and then requests for your doctor statements etc. ensue..... if you have been working you are entitled to continue your insurance under COBRA - 18 months if you are not approved for SSDI before that time frame is up, 28 months if approved after that date if approved for SSDI during that time period..... after that you are allowed to purchae Medicare.

Again, depends on the individual's situation, state they live, and their company policies etc.....

Medicare plans differ greatly by the area you live in regarding plans offered etc also.... each individual needs to check into them very thoroughly.....

Bottom line - requires a great deal of research on the part of the individual... and unfortunatly yes, can be very financially stressful!