People with disabilities

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) & Medicare coverage

If you get Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), you probably have Medicare or are in a 24-month waiting period before it starts. You have options in either case.

If you get Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and have Medicare

You’re considered covered under the health care law and don’t have to pay the penalty that people without coverage must pay.

• One exception: If you enrolled in a Marketplace plan before getting Medicare, you can keep your Marketplace plan as supplemental insurance when you enroll in Medicare. But if you do this, you’ll lose any premium tax credits and other savings for your Marketplace plan.
• Learn about other Medicare supplement options.

If you get SSDI benefits and are in a 24-month waiting period before getting Medicare

• You may be able to get Medicaid coverage while you wait. You can apply 2 ways:
  • Create an account or log in to complete an application. Answer “yes” when asked if you have a disability. We’ll forward your application to your state Medicaid agency.
  • Apply directly to your state Medicaid agency. Select your state from the menu on this Medicaid page for contact information.