One of the reasons you should apply for SSDI is because you might decide that dealing with WC is no longer worth the stress and decide to settle. You or your attorney can submit the medical set aside amount to Medicare and if they approve it, then after it is depleted on legitimate medical expenses related to your WC injury, then Medicare can be billed.

Even while you have an open case if WC denies a med or a procedure you are allowed to then submit to Medicare.