On disability and Medicare?
 

For those on disability and Medicare, do you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, (Part C) or a Medicare supplemental policy? Or neither, just Medicare?

I am hearing on the news that many Medicare Advantage plans are being cancelled. Anyone experiencing this?

Anyone having any changes to their supplemental policies?

Would like to hear from anyone on Medicare under 65 due to being on SSDI.

Thank you.

I am currently on straight Medicare. That was fortunate for me because my therp, primary care doctor as well as my pdoc all just take straight Medicare. I've been on disability since 1998. I do not trust the Advantage plans and how much they can control your health and mental health and what happens.

I'm confused as usual
 

Hi Debi,

I believe that one is eligible for Medicare once they have received 24 months of disability benefits. Example: You apply for disability on October 1st, 2012 with an onset date of January 2011. If you are approved in November of 2013 and your onset date is accepted, you are entitled to a maximum of 12 months backpay. 12 months back from your application date is October 1st, 2011. So between October 2011 and November 2013 meets the 24 months of benefits and makes one eligible for Medicare before the age of 65.

I could be wrong but that is the way I understand the eligibility for Medicare prior to age 65 for people approved for SSDI.

If I am incorrect, I am sure someone will come along and correct me. Hope this helps.

You are right :)
 

That's what I have read and heard from others.

SIDEBAR FYI: For those of us just on Medicare, we don't have to worry about signing up for Obamacare.

medicare
 

I am 63 on SSD and have Medicare and a advantage PPO plan .. some plans are being dropped but not all of them.... also have a some extra coverage for hospital stays ...

Am 59 and just received notification that my first SSDI payment will start in November 2013. Medicare medical to start February 2014. (24 months from original filing date). Side note but benefit letter said they found me disabled as of May 2008. Wish I would have filed sooner.
Went to Medicare web site and tried to choose options in my Medicare profile but wasn't able to, said I wasn't eligible for services yet. Will try again in January.
Plan A has no premium and comes automatically. I will purchase Plan B (outpatient services) for $104.90/mo and Plan D (drugs) for ? I am also checking on supplemental to cover deductible and amounts not paid by Plan A & B. Some services are only paid at 20%, some more, some have scale depending on number of days, etc. I'm trying to put together a spreadsheet to remember the details and will definitely need good record keeping once coverage begins. Estimate medical insurance will cost me 1/4 of my disability benefit.
I honestly don't know anything about Advantage plans. I thought they were for people getting regular SS retirement.

Advantage Plan
 

In short, Advantage plans are both Part A and Part B of Medicare combined and some include drug coverage (part D). Like an HMO. Usually for the same cost as just Part B. Some plans do charge a fee but most do not. Low co-pays for doctor visits and flat dollar amounts for first few days in Hospital usually. Plans do differ.

I have some friends on Advantage Plans and am worried that the ObamaCare regulations are causing some of them to be cancelled and was wondering if anyone had that happen to them yet.

Hmm. Maybe I've misunderstood what I've heard and see. A lot of policies for SSDI have changed since I was approved. You can go to, I think, **Moderator edit** and they have the qualifying info. In 1994, when I first became disabled, you had to be disabled, I believe at least 8 months and with low expectations of working again. I qualified the first time without a problem. I am one of the lucky ones.

I thought I read where they no longer give you back payment anymore. I also think the rules are less flexible now. When I attempted to go back to work in 1996 I was given SSDI for two years as well as continued Medicare coverage. The final year, the money was taxable. Right before this ended, I was disabled again and I didn't have much trouble getting back on.

Be careful choosing an HMO or some kind of Meficare plan other than straight Medicare. I've heard horror stories and seen people denied proper mental health treatment simply because they had the HMO state coverage.

You really have to do your homework. Please be careful and good luck.

I am 45 and have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes my drugs (part D). I have had straight medicare and a Part D plan, but switched to the advantage plans due to costs. Supplement plans are not available to those under 65 in my state. For me I have been very happy over the years with advantage plans.

Just like the part D companies can enter/exit the market each year & choose the premiums, copays & benifit - so can the Advantage plan providers. Every fall we have to sign up for a plan (D, MA or a MAPD).

I choose to look for a MAPD (MAPD =medicare advantage plan with part D) that is a PPO. My costs are known & limited and I like the predictablity. With a PPO I am not restricted to only "in network" providers {like you would be in an HMO}. I like that I can go "out of network" if needed for higher cost shares.

I prefer to have all my medical and drug covereage with a single company. The bigger health companies are the traditional players in medicare advantage plans - but there are exceptions. I am lucky to never have had to switch a doctor or provider, because most doctors and facilities that work with my region's hospitals are 'in network' and accept the MAPD plans.

Each person is different and we all need to choose wisely, review each year, based on what is best for our own particular situation.

Advantage Plans
 

True it is. The advantage plans will be going up in price if not canceled. There are several companies out there offering supplemental plans. I have a friend who is in insurance business he gave me insight on these. I do not need one now nor am I on medicare as I am covered by spouse policy. That may not be so next year as the employer mandate kicks in.
Thanks to the UNAFFORDABLE care act. I fear what will happen to those who are no longer productive.

I live in Florida and I'm on a advantage plan there are allot of avantage plans here. I guess it varies by state and the amount of senior citizens. Since Florida is a retirement state that's why there are allot here. I have been on mine 3 yrs. My plan gives me back $86 of my part b and I have prescription coverage.

Actually, Medicaid is administered by the state, though partially funded, I believe by federal level. You have to meet different criteria and apply through your state government for Medicaid.

I'm not sure, bit if you are on SSDI, I believe the Medicare is automatic. Because, frankly, how could most people afford medical treatment for what is making them disabled without at least Medicare?

One medicare advantage plan if you have it in your state in Coventry , they have a plan that you do not have to pay for , coverage is pretty good . that's what hubby and I got .....

do you just get a medicare card in the mail?
 

I was approved for ssdi and still have health ins from prior ER for a few more months. I was approved back 12 months and its been close to 12 months so do I need to apply or is this automatic? I was going to wait until my reg insurance drops. does part B pay for scripts? Any advice will be great.

Dear Jinga,

No, scripts are not covered under Part B. You would have to enroll in Part D for drug coverage. Part B is medical coverage. Part A is hospitalization.

Part C is a Medicare Advantage Plan which combines Parts A and B and sometimes Part D.

You are correct because the advantage plans are partially backed by the govt and due to the
Unafordable health care law much of the money will be diverted so the plans may canceled or prices drastically increased. A very good friend is an insurance agent specializing in medicare supplement plans. I asked him which would be best plan. I am in Texas but companies vary from state to state. I was quoted $150.00 monthly no deductibles no copay use any doctor.

medicare and supplemental plans
 

Does anyone know when I will get the medicare part A? I assume this is automatic and I will receive a card in the mail etc? Then how do I go about finding out what plans are in my area to cover the gaps and what they will cost me?

Any help is appreciated - thanks

Suggestion: call them or try to find the info on their website.

You will receive Medicare after you receive disability benefits for 24 months.

Receiving Medicare and disability benefits