After reading the Gap thread, I worry about this stupid Medicare thing...so if you are okayed for disability income, do you go onto Medicare?
I don't want to...the government is reducing Medicare payments to doctors, and there are more and more who are refusing to take on Medicare patients.

I don't want to lose the good docs I've got under my DH's insurance...this situation is so stupid in our country...just let us go to whatever doc we want, please...

There is a 29 month wait before you even qualify for Medicare: The 5 month eligibility for SSDI, plus 24 months.

Medicare is supposed to be a low cost health insurance for SSA recipients on a fixed income. If you choose to enroll in Medicare the premium will be deducted from your monthly benefits check.

But, you are not required to enroll in Medicare. If you are one of the lucky ones that has a good plan you can afford. Keep it.

But, also keep in mind that if you don't enroll when you are eligible, you can't just enroll at any time later. You have to wait for the open enrollment. I'm not sure, but think that is only once each year.

I'm confused. I was under the impression that once on SSDI and Medicare eligible...Medicare would be considered your first coverage, then whatever private insurance you have would be considered your second. I could be wrong. I think Dej is pretty knowledgeable in this subject...maybe she'll chime in here soon and give us the facts!

What 29 month wait?? I applied for SSDI back in June of 09. I was denied on the claim that they never received paperwork they requested (which was sent in). I then filed an appeal, which I was supposed to have a decision on in Jan, but then I got a call that they cannot process my appeal because when they denied me, they kicked my application out completely and I had to re-apply. Which I did in Jan. In the mean time, I went to Social Services to ask for help as I have NO income and another 3 month waiting period. Still waiting though we seem to be making progress, they keep requesting more paperwork.

I was approved for medicaid within a week. It was the only thing i was approved for. Apparently, if you have MS you are automatically approved if you apply. They cover my meds, and my doctors. The only real fight has been the back brace that i was supposed to have to help the broken bones... and it has been 3 weeks and I still have no response.

At this point, the brace is pointless as it has been 3 weeks and the bone have already set. For that I am angry. I cannot get the $500 brace that would have saved them from paying over $20,000+ in surgery on my spine. Yet I had no problems getting the $5800/ month Ty infusions approved. The doctors have had to fight for the MRIs. That is what scares me about the idea of our government taking over everyone's health care.

It's my understanding (and my personal experience) that once approved for SSDI there is a 5 month wait for your first check. Then there is a 24 month wait until Medicare becomes available. I will be Medicare eligible in August of 2010. I was told that I was not eligible for Medicaid.

Another 5 months? That is insane! If it wasn't for my mom and DH2B I would be homeless right now thanks to this stupid system.

I know, Legzz....it's a ridiculous system. They agree I'm disabled....even approve me for SSDI....but make me wait 2 years for any type of medical insurance. Makes no sense.

Thank goodness I was immediately approved for SSDI. Don't know what I'd do without access to my benefits.

Let me tell you what I learned.


When I accepted a SSDI retirement. I was FORCED to take medicare. It was part of the settlement REQUIRED by the insurance company. Which I thought was really stupid. I thought I would never ever need medicare in the mix. I had 2 golden policies. why do I need medicare?! The SSDI folks said it was required by the terms of my retirement.

#1 as long as the husband remained working HIS insurance now went to the head of the line as primary. My Medicare remained 2ndary. no biggie right? As long as he or I were working. Medicare stayed in the back ground.

#2 the minute the DH retired Medicare went to the head of the line, and became my primary. Now if medicare wont pay even a penny my Golden policy wont either. I have 2 golden or cadillac programs, but Medicare goes first, then mine, then my DHs policy.

PLEASE ask the SSDI folks. If you are UNDER 62 you CAN turn it down, BUT it WONT be offered to you again till you are at least 62 years old. So, if you decide to walk away, no matter the reason, it could leave you without any insurance. As long as your DH works, HIS insurance will stay at the head of the line. So, if you are already using him, then medicare would stay behind you as the 2ndary till he retires.

Does that make sense? Clear as mud?

Medicare A is automatic at 24 months after you start receiving your SSDI payments, 29 months total and it is free. You pay for Medicare B, about $96 per month now, but can deny it. You must have proof of creditable drug coverage if you pass on Medicare D, equivalent to Medicare D.

There are no age restrictions on SSDI for Medicare.

It can be very confusing, but once you understand things it is fairly easy.

Sheesh...how are we who are cognitive deficient supposed to understand all of this?
My DH is hopind (and dreaming) of retiring in 2 years...I think he has to use his regular insurance until he hits 65, yes?
His company has really good insurance coverage. So I'm hopeful that he won't have to have Medicare until the traditional retirement age...

Thanks for all the info...I'll keep tuned in...