Yes. If you go off SSDI when you return to work you can continue Medicare coverage for 93 months after completing the 9 months work period. Combined with the trial work period, therefore, you can receive Medicare Part A coverage premium-free for a total of 8 and half years.

Why do you have to wait 2 years for Medicare?

Medicare was originally intended for those over 65, and when Medicare was expanded to include persons with disabilities, a very expensive expansion, the two-year waiting period was added as a cost-saving measure. About a third of disability recipients receive Medicaid coverage during the waiting period.

Do you lose Medicare if you get a job?

If you’re going back to work and can get employer health coverage that is considered acceptable as primary coverage, you are allowed to drop Medicare and re-enroll again without penalties. If you drop Medicare and don’t have creditable employer coverage, you’ll face penalties when getting Medicare back.

Is Medicare Part B free if disabled?

You are eligible for Medicare two years after your entitlement date for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI). Medicare isn’t free for most disability recipients though. There are premiums, deductibles, and copays for most parts of Medicare, and the costs go up every year.

How do I get Medicare before 24 months?

You can apply for SSDI at your local Social Security Administration office. Once you are approved for SSDI, you must wait 5 months for your income benefits to begin, and an additional 24 months before Medicare benefits begin.

Can you work full time and be on Medicare?

You can also enroll in Medicare at any time that you are still working and have employer-based coverage. If you choose COBRA after you stop working, do not wait until your COBRA coverage ends to sign up for Medicare.

How long can I stay on Medicare?

As long as your disabling condition still meets our rules, you can keep your Medicare coverage for at least 8 ½ years after you return to work. (The 8 ½ years includes your nine month trial work period.)

How can I find out if I qualify for Medicaid or Medicare?

Call your state Medicaid program to see if you qualify and learn how to apply. If you have Medicare and full Medicaid coverage, most of your health care costs are likely covered. You can get your Medicare coverage through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C).

When do you become eligible for the ABLE Act?

Under section 102(a) of the ABLE Act (codified at 26 U.S.C. §529A(e)), an individual is eligible for an ABLE account if the individual is receiving SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits based on a disability or blindness that occurred before age 26.

How does a person become eligible for Medicaid?

Even if you have too much income to qualify, some states let you “spend down” to become eligible for Medicaid. The “spend down” process lets you subtract your medical expenses from your income to become eligible for Medicaid. In this case, you’re eligible for Medicaid because you’re considered “medically needy.”

What do I have to sign up for when I apply for Medicare?

Applying for Medicare. When you apply for Medicare, you can sign up for Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you can turn it down.