Anyone here collect SS disability? Question:

[woofless]

Is Medicare automatically part of the package or must one apply for it separately?

Thanks, Woof

[flamingyouth]

1. Techinically, you should be on Medicaid unless you're over 65

And yes, I think you do need to apply separately, but I'm not 100% sure on that. Good luck to you.:hi:

[Chicago Democrat]

3. Nope, medicaid is for low-income disabled people.

Medicare is for everyone else. Some people get both.

[flamingyouth]

4. Ah, I didn't know that

Thanks. :hi:

On edit - I think I was mistaken because I have worked with very low-income people in the past through a family-services agency as a volunteer.

[Chicago Democrat]

2. Yes you automatically are offered it, but you can opt out....

Which nooone does because they're disabled, ya know?

Often states pick up the medicare premium based on need.

[Nicholas_J]

5. No if you collect SSDI Medicare activetes automatically

on the second anniversary of your disability date. Bush changed that. Before he did the waiting period was one year.

If you are on SSI, you are elegible for medicaid.

[gpandas]

6. automatic for me n/t

[mckara]

7. It Depends...

I'm a disabled veteran, under 65, and I receive Medicare benefits. Check the website provided by Medicare and see who is eligible for benefits.

[Gloria]

8. I had to wait the two years...Kerry wants to eliminate this waiting

period.

[scarlet_owl]

9. I'm on SS disablility and I have Medicare part B.

I declined to have part A, as they were going to take 60 dollars out of my check each month for it. But if you don't have insurance it's better than nothing. I think only certain people on SS get the Medicare, though. I think you have to be in it for the long haul and not temporarily disabled. I hope this helps.

[The empressof all]

10. I think you need to approach both seperately

If your disability is above the threashold for health coverage eligibility you may be eligible for a spend-down for medicaid. I wouldn't take a chance and assume anything with entitlement programs. Keep all your correspondance to and from them. Document everything very carefully. Also remember that your benefits kick back to the day you apply not the day you are approved. Talk with a case-manager or someone who can advocate for you if it gets confusing. I worked with clients on federal and state entitlements for over 20 years and I am always suprised at how quickly rules and requirements change-and how easily things get very screwed up.

[woofless]

11. Thanks so much!

Iwas just notified that my claim has been approved but have gotten no details yet. Have been relying of Faith based charity health care (very good by the way, they have helped immensely) for more than a year now. I had always had great insurance while I was employable.

Thanks again friends.

Woof

[Chicago Democrat]

12. Yeah, you will have to continue with the charity until your

waiting period is over. (assuming you don't recover, which I hope you do!)

:hi:

[woofless]

13. Nah. Unfortunately I smoked way too long

and have COPD. Guess I'm in it for the long haul.

[LDS Jock]

14. question.. just wondering how long it took you to be approved?

I know someone who is in the process. It is taking forever, over a year now. How long was your wait?

[sniffa]

16. they fuck everyone

but, that's not a Long wait by any stretch. many cases need to get Lawyers invoLved.

[LDS Jock]

17. my friend has a lawyer now.. I can't believe it has to be so hard

My friend is lucky enough to have family who can take care of him and support him while he waits. Common sense tells you not everyone is going to be so lucky.

[woofless]

18. It took about nine months.

Not bad considering all the horror stories. I had to go through the initial denial and file an extension. With the extension I directed them to some new tests and that apparently was sufficent.

[sniffa]

15. ms sniffa is on ssi

and she has MASSHEALTH+ which is great - prior to getting that we/she were maxing out credit cards to buy medicine.

[Clinton Crusader]

19. there's a Plan A (free) and Plan B (approx. $50) wich offers a little more

:kick:

[Clinton Crusader]

20. Also, never do it without a lawyer doing it FOR you and it took...

me 2+ years. And I had an iron clad case, so tight, I didnt even have to go for a hearing, my lawyer called and told me I had it. BUT then you get ALL the back pay they owe you since you applied till you get it. BIG check!

Beware though, the lawyer gets a BUNDLE! But doing it on your own is fruitless.
:kick:

edit - typo