SSDI Medicare Eligibility Disability Law Is All We Do

Eligibility For SSDI And Medicare

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides important benefits to people who are unable to work due to an injury or illness. This money can help with expenses like rent or mortgage payments, food and other essentials. In addition, most people who have a disability often need extra medical treatment. While SSDI payments can help offset these costs, if you lose your health insurance as a result of being unable to work, these medical bills can grow quickly. However, if you receive SSDI benefits, you will be eligible for Medicare coverage after a set waiting period.

At Troutman & Troutman, P.C., our Tulsa Social Security Disability attorneys have helped many Oklahoma residents get SSDI and Medicare coverage. Applying for these federal programs can be difficult. However, with a qualified, experienced lawyer by your side, you have the best chance of getting approval. We can explain the entire process, including the waiting period for Medicare benefits, to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.

What Kind of Health Insurance Can I Get with SSDI?

Medicare Enrollment FormIf you receive SSDI benefits, you will receive Medicare coverage as well (not Medicaid). However, there are some conditions. Most importantly, you are not eligible for Medicare right away. Instead, your coverage begins two years after your date of entitlement.

When you apply for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) examines your medical history and application to determine when your disability began. This may be the date of a disabling accident or the onset of an illness. This is the established onset date (EOD). The date of entitlement, on the other hand, is the EOD plus five months, since there is a mandatory five month waiting period for disability benefits. You are eligible for benefits starting from the date of entitlement, which usually means you will receive disability back pay.

Your Medicare coverage will start two years after the date of entitlement established by the SSA during your application process. For some, this means that you may be eligible for coverage as soon as you get approval for SSDI benefits. This is especially true if you appeal an initial denial of benefits. However, most applicants will have to wait at least a few months for healthcare coverage.

There are some exceptions to this two-year interval before Medicare begins. If you have certain disabling medical conditions, your coverage may start sooner. Kidney failure and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are two common conditions that will exempt you from this waiting period.

What Are My Medicare Coverage Options?

Once you are eligible for both SSDI and Medicare, there are several different parts to the coverage you may receive. Your enrollment in some of these parts is automatic, while you may have to apply separately for others. The different parts of Medicare are:

  • Part A – This is sometimes known as “hospital insurance.” It covers care you receive in a hospital as well as some follow up procedures. Your enrollment in Part A is automatic after your approval for SSDI benefits. This part is paid for by payroll taxes, so the premium is usually free.
  • Part B – This helps cover the cost of regular visits to the doctor and routine healthcare expenses. Your enrollment in Part B is also automatic. However, you will have to pay a premium for this coverage, so you may refuse it if you choose.
  • Part C – Also known as “Medicare Advantage,” this provides additional benefits to help cover costs that Parts A and B do not. You may also get the same kind of “gap coverage” from a Medigap plan, which is provided by a private company rather than Medicare. You must opt into this coverage, since your enrollment is not automatic.
  • Part D – This part helps cover prescription medication costs. However, you will have to pay a premium for this part and your enrollment is not automatic.

Contact us online or call our office in Tulsa and schedule a free evaluation of your case today.

Questions on SSDI and Medicare? Call Our Tulsa Social Security Disability Attorneys

Your Medicare coverage does not start until the SSA approves your application for SSDI benefits. Therefore, you should consider calling our Tulsa Social Security Disability attorneys for assistance when you apply.

Disability law is all we do, so we can review your application and file the necessary paperwork for you. We can also advise you about your eventual Medicare eligibility as well as explain your healthcare options in the meantime.

Why Choose Troutman & Troutman?

  • Committed to Keeping You Informed

    We understand that this can be a stressful and confusing time which, is why we pride ourselves on doing everything we can to keep you informed and knowledgeable about your case. Not only do we have an array of video and FAQs, but we also allow you direct access to your dedicated attorney.

  • Dedicated & Trusted Counsel

    Our attorneys are passionate about disability law. Everyone who works at our firm is here because they believe in helping people. We commit to representing clients through every part of the Social Security Disability claims process.

  • Over 25 Years of Dedicated Experience

    Since 1993, our attorneys have been helping people throughout Oklahoma get the Social Security benefits they deserve. Regardless of where you are in your case, our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys are here to help you obtain what you deserve.

  • Disability Law Is All We Do

    Social Security Disability is a unique area of the law because it is about representing clients going through very difficult times. We help by getting people the benefits they have earned and deserve. Our firm is proud of the fact that disability law is all we do.

    I didn't think there was a caring professional considerate attorney firm on the planet, but Troutman & Troutman proved me wrong. From the receptionist to the legal assistance to the attorney and more they were exceptional people.

    - Robert S.

    They did a fantastic job getting everything gathered up and getting the trial done as quickly as possible. Anytime I had a question they were patient and help me understand what was going on. Especially Christy and Charlie were great.

    - Michael M.

    Steve Troutman was able to get my short-term and long-term disability for me. Then Erin another lawyer for their firm got my Social security disability for me. Great people.

    - Billy S.

    Mr. Troutman walked me through the entire process. Heather was available each time I called, answered all my crazy questions, and helped me fill out forms along the way. I was never treated like I was wasting time.

    - Julia C.

    Erin and Keith were fabulous! They were compassionate, helpful, and very responsive! They made the process very smooth and painless every step of the way.

    - Valerie W.

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