Hi - others are right - are separate programs.... however, lots of people dont know that you can qualify for both - and at least in the state of Cal gives you special rights...... one rarely gets SSDI on their first (or much longer) try - even with their own doctor's reviews.... plus, you are not eligible for Medicare coverage until 18 months after the date SSDI determines you were disabled and if the determination is not made by then - its 28 months... in any case - you will have to be able to afford to pay for COBRA for 18 months, and if there is a gap until 28, high risk insurance, which is outrageous in cost....

Medi-cal right away would give you some insurance... further, when you get SSDI and are eligible for Medicare - there is a prgram where Medi-Cal pays your monthly premium on Part A and B for Medicare, and although many state Medi-Cal workers are not aware of this - also a portion of your Plan D monthly premium - Medicare Prescription Plan (if the program isnt cut this year along with everything else) - and if you are on Medi-Cal and meet the financial requirements. You would be considered a "dual-eligible" and need to be really persistent if you do get SSDI so follow up with the program.....

Another tip - you mentioned your LTD - unforutnately theses companies have a tendency to appear to try to help you get SSDI to save them money - when in actuality they do nothing in court and you loose (thus making it easier for them to deny you LTD) - you are required to apply for SSDI however - be sure that you dont have the right if nessary to get your own attorney that THEY will have to pay that works only in your interest (they often will not reveal you can use any attorney and they must pay them).... and if you must work with them that the person from the LTD company has credentials to represent you - shows an interest in your case - meets with you etc.... if they dont - ask for another rep from the LTD company.

Back to the exam - they used to be very inadequate actually - Medi-Cal is apt to tentatively approve you until your SSDI is approved, a much more difficult process, so at least you'd have some coverage.

Hope all goes well.