Yes, for medicare. Once you are approved for medicare, under the age of 65, some people have to wait up to 24 months to be approved for SSDI. It's already been established that they are disabled but they have to go through the ridiculous process of waiting this 24 month period to establish they are really disabled. It's an antiquated process of investigating fraudulent claims. Once the claim is investigated, processed, then you wait another 5 months to receive your first check.

There is a bill in the house and senate to phase out this 24 month waiting period. We have been working with other disability organizations to get this bill passed.

We (NMSS Advocacy Group) will be going to Capitol Hill again in March 2009 to meet with our Legislators to work on this.