Medicare Blog

if a person goes back to work on disability how does it effect his medicare and medicaide

by Dr. Lamont Hintz V Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Some people with a disability who are under the age of 65 are able to return to work. When this happens, they may keep their Medicare benefits for as long as they have a disability. Once an individual goes back to work, they do not have to pay Part A premiums for the first 8 years and 6 months.

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.Feb 17, 2005

Full Answer

What happens to my Medicare benefits if I go back to work?

When this happens, they may keep their Medicare benefits for as long as they have a disability. Once an individual goes back to work, they do not have to pay Part A premiums for the first 8 years and 6 months. After this time, however, they must pay the Part A premiums.

How will going back to work affect my Social Security disability benefits?

If I go back to work how will it affect my Social Security Disability benefits? Your disability benefits can be affected by you going back to work. The way it is affected depends on if you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Will My Medicare coverage continue if I receive disability benefits?

As long as you’re receiving Social Security disability benefits, your Medicare coverage will continue. In some cases, your Medicare coverage can extend beyond your disability payments.

Can I still work if I'm on disability?

If you're like most people, you would rather try to work than live on disability benefits. There are special rules that help you keep your cash benefits and Medicare while you test your ability to work. We call these rules work incentives. For more information about Social Security work incentives, read Working While Disabled: How We Can Help.

How does returning to work affect Medicare?

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.

What happens if I go back to work after starting Social Security disability?

You can return to work for up to nine months and continue to receive full social security disability benefits – no matter how much you earn at your job if 1) you report to work and 2) you are still disabled.

Will I lose my Medicare if I go back to work?

Under this law, how long will I get to keep Medicare if I return to work? 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 does disability affect Medicare?

Medicare coverage is the same for people who qualify based on disability as for those who qualify based on age. For those who are eligible, the full range of Medicare benefits are available.

Do I need to notify Social Security if I go back to work?

Proactively reach out to SSA directly if you are both receiving Social Security retirement benefits and working.” Describe your particular situation, and report any earnings you expect from work. The SSA should be able to make the benefit adjustment within 30 days of your call, Fichtner says. Make sure it happens.

Do I need to notify Social Security if I return to work?

Either way, it is best to inform the SSA that you have returned to work while receiving disability benefits. In such a way, not only do you get to avoid the legal consequences associated with doing unreported work while receiving benefits but can also earn income while receiving benefits.

Do you ever have to pay Medicare back?

The payment is "conditional" because it must be repaid to Medicare if you get a settlement, judgment, award, or other payment later. You're responsible for making sure Medicare gets repaid from the settlement, judgment, award, or other payment.

How does working affect Medicare?

It depends on how you get your health insurance now and the number of employees that are in the company where you (or your spouse) work. Generally, if you have job-based health insurance through your (or your spouse's) current job, you don't have to sign up for Medicare while you (or your spouse) are still working.

Can I lose my Medicare benefits?

Summary: In most cases, you won't lose your Medicare eligibility. But if you move out of the country, or if you qualify for Medicare by disability or health problem, you could lose your Medicare eligibility.

Can you get Medicare and disability at the same time?

In general, someone who satisfies all of the relevant eligibility requirements can receive Social Security disability benefits and Medicare or Medicaid at the same time.

Will my disability benefits change when I turn 65?

The Benefits Do Convert Nothing will change. You will continue to receive a monthly check and you do not need to do anything in order to receive your benefits. The SSA will simply change your disability benefit to a retirement benefit once you have reached full retirement age.

Why would my Medicare be Cancelled?

Depending on the type of Medicare plan you are enrolled in, you could potentially lose your benefits for a number of reasons, such as: You no longer have a qualifying disability. You fail to pay your plan premiums. You move outside your plan's coverage area.

What happens to your SSI if you make more than the limit?

When your other income goes up, your SSI payments usually go down. So when you earn more than the SSI limit, your payments will stop for those months.

What is a trial work period for SSDI?

The Trial Work Period is designed to encourage individuals who are receiving SSDI benefits to try and return to work. While doing a trial work period, you are allowed to work and earn money that exceeds the SGA amount and still collect your full SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration does not consider employment during ...

Can I go back to work and get disability?

The way it is affected depends on if you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Can I get my SSDI back after I have been approved?

Returning to Work. After you have been approved for disability benefits, if you go back to work and stop receiving your SSDI or SSI payments and at a later date, you become unable to work again because of your medical condition, you can ask social security to start your SSDI or SSI payments again. As long as it has been less than 5 years ...

Does SSI work incentive work?

SSI Work Incentive Programs. If you are receiving disability benefits through the SSI program and think you may be able to return to work , SSI has numerous incentives and rules to encourage SSI recipients to return to work.

Can I make a small amount of income while on disability?

You can make a small amount of income while collecting disability benefits, but how much depends on whether you get SSDI or SSI benefits. Social Security Disability Trial Work Period, EPE, and Expedited Reinstatement. Several Social Security programs allow SSDI beneficiaries to try returning to work without jeopardizing their entitlement ...

Can I return to work after receiving disability?

At some point after receiving disability benefits (SSDI or SSI), you may want to try to return to work, but you don't want to lose your cash benefits or your Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. Both SSDI and SSI offer various work incentive programs that allow you to try to go back to work.

How long do you have to enroll in Medicare after you lose your employer?

NOTE: While you have eight months for Parts A & B, you only get two months after losing the employer coverage or leaving work to re-enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. If you enroll later, you’ll face late enrollment penalties for Part D.

What happens if you drop Medicare?

If you drop Medicare and don’t have creditable employer coverage, you’ll face penalties when getting Medicare back. Before you decide to drop any part of Medicare, there are some things you’ll want to think about, especially as some choices could end up being costly.

How long do you have to wait to enroll in Medicare after dropping it?

There are rules for re-enrolling in Medicare after you’ve dropped it for an employer-sponsored health plan. You’ll have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period in which to re-enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. If you miss this window, you’ll have to wait to enroll in the Medicare General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) ...

What is Medicare Made Clear?

Medicare Made Clear is brought to you by UnitedHealthcare to help make understanding Medicare easier. Click here to take advantage of more helpful tools and resources from Medicare Made Clear including downloadable worksheets and guides.

How long do you have to pay Medicare if you are on disability?

Once an individual goes back to work, they do not have to pay Part A premiums for the first 8 years and 6 months. After this time, however, they must pay the Part A premiums.

How long does Medicare Part D last?

A person with a disability who wishes to enroll in either Medicare Part D or an Advantage plan may do so during: the 7-month period that begins 3 months before the 25th month of Social Security disability benefits . the 7-month period that includes the 25th month of disability benefits.

How long do you have to be on Medicare?

A person with a disability who wishes to enroll in either Medicare Part D or an Advantage plan may do so during: 1 the 7-month period that begins 3 months before the 25th month of Social Security disability benefits 2 the 7-month period that includes the 25th month of disability benefits 3 the 7-month period that stops after the 25th month of disability benefits

What is the cost of Medicare Advantage Plan 2020?

The average premium for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage is $36 per month in 2020. A person with an Advantage plan must also pay the Part B monthly premium of $148.50.

How much is the deductible for Part A?

Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A, but they pay a $1,484 deductible for each benefit period. They also pay coinsurance that varies with the length of their hospital stay within the benefit period.

Does Medicare cover nursing home stays?

Through Medicare, healthcare coverage for a person with a disability is identical to the coverage for an individual who qualifies because of their age . Areas of coverage include certain hospital and nursing home stays, along with doctor visits and community-based services.

Does Medicare Part D include prescriptions?

Part D and Medicare Advantage costs. The coverage from parts A and B does not include prescription drug costs. Coverage for prescribed medication is known as Medicare Part D. A person may wish to include Part D as part of their plan, or they may decide to explore available options through Medicare Advantage.

What happens after you exhaust FMLA?

After you exhaust FMLA, your employer no longer has to pay its portion of the group health costs. In order to meet the criteria for continuation your group plan must be covered by COBRA, a qualifying event must occur; and you must be a qualified beneficiary for that event. [2] Covered Groups: Have 20 or more employees.

How long does FMLA last?

Your employer has more freedom to cancel your health insurance while you are out on long-term disability due to a non-occupational accident or sickness. By definition, a long-term disability lasts much longer than 3 months. FMLA legal rights end after only 12 weeks – which is about 3 months.

Can you cancel your health insurance while on disability?

Can your employer cancel your health insurance while you are out on disability? The sad reality is that many people can lose their coverage when they need it the most – when an accident, illness, or maternity leave prevents them from earning an income – and they need access to medical care in order to recover.

Can you not return to work?

Not Returning to Work: The employer may require the employee to pay the employer share of the premiums if the person fails to return to work ( maternity leave example ). However, this person is exempt from circumstances that are beyond his or her control (ongoing disability).

Is FMLA a life event?

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires temporary group health insurance continuation for a portion of workers – not all. You could easily fall into one or both of these cracks. Fortunately, the loss of coverage is a qualifying life event! Begin a new plan immediately during a special enrollment period.

Is an employee's own serious medical condition a qualifying reason?

An employee’s own serious medical condition is a qualifying reason. In addition, the Department of Labor rules states the following. “A covered employee is entitled to the continuation of the group health insurance coverage on the same terms as if he or she had continued to work.”. [1]

Is FMLA covered by employers?

However, many employers are not subject to FMLA and many employees are ineligible. Plus, the time off is unpaid – causing many to need financial help. Covered Employers. Employ 50 or more employees for at least 20 workweeks. At one or more worksites within 75 miles.

How long does a disability last?

The government has a strict definition of disability. For instance, the disability must be expected to last at least one year. Your work history will also be considered—usually, you must have worked for about 10 years but possibly less depending on your age.

How long does it take to get Medicare if you appeal a decision?

The result: your wait for Medicare will be shorter than two years.

What is ESRD in Medicare?

ESRD, also known as permanent kidney failure, is a disease in which the kidneys no longer work. Typically, people with ESRD need regular dialysis or a kidney transplant (or both) to survive. Because of this immediate need, Medicare waives the waiting period. 2

What to do if your income is too high for medicaid?

If your income is too high to qualify for Medicaid, try a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which generally has higher limits for income. As a bonus, if you qualify for an MSP, you automatically qualify for Extra Help, which subsidizes your Part D costs. Contact your state’s Medicaid office for more information.

What conditions are considered to be eligible for Medicare?

Even though most people on Social Security Disability Insurance must wait for Medicare coverage to begin, two conditions might ensure immediate eligibility: end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS).

When will Medicare be available for seniors?

July 16, 2020. Medicare is the government health insurance program for older adults. However, Medicare isn’t limited to only those 65 and up—Americans of any age are eligible for Medicare if they have a qualifying disability. Most people are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B once they’ve been collecting Social Security Disability ...

Does Medicare cover ALS?

Medicare doesn’t require a waiting period for people diagnosed with ALS, but they need to qualify based on their own or their spouse’s work record. 3

How to return to work after disability?

Here are some steps to follow when considering a return to work after being on disability: Consult with professionals. Make sure you’re ready. Make use of the accommodations you’re entitled to.

How long does Medicare coverage last on SSDI?

Medicare coverage extends seven years, or 93 months, after your trial work period has ended. Related: Guide to Unemployment Benefits.

How old do you have to be to get a ticket to work?

People who receive SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to their disability and are between 18 and 64 years of age can enroll in the Ticket to Work program. You can check your eligibility and enroll in the program by phone or online.

How long does the extended period of SSDI last?

The extended period of eligibility lasts for 36 months after the nine-month grace period. You will receive full SSDI cash benefits during the first three months of the extended period. Over the remainder of the period, your benefits will be based on the income you earn.

How many employment networks are available through ticket to work?

While enrolled in the Ticket to Work program, you will be allowed to maintain your disability benefits for a certain period of time, while also working a regular job. More than 600 employment networks are accessible through Ticket to Work.

What to do if your doctor decides it is safe to resume work?

If your doctor decides that it is safe for you to resume work, they will provide the documents you need to submit to your employer to verify that you are healthy enough to work. You should attempt to remain in contact with your employer throughout your leave.

What to do before returning to work?

Before returning to work, review your company’s long-term disability policy. It will outline the steps you need to complete to return to your position and whether or not your disability benefits will continue after you have resumed work.

How did health care reform affect SSDI?

How Health Care Reform Affected Eligibility for SSDI Recipients. Many more people became eligible for Medicaid because the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) encrouaged states to raise the income cutoff for Medicaid to 133% of FPL. (This is $17,130 in annual income for an individual in 2021). In addition, the ACA overhauled ...

How long do you have to be on Social Security to get medicaid?

And with only a few limited exceptions, people who qualify for SSDI benefits do not become eligible for Medicare until two years after the date they become entitled to receive benefits.

How to find out if you qualify for medicaid?

You can find the website for your state's agency by selecting your state from the map on the Medicaid website. If you are denied Medicaid because of financial ineligibility, you have the right to appeal the Medicaid denial.

Can I get medicaid if I have SSDI?

If you receive SSDI and have high medical expenses that reduce your monthly income to the Medicaid eligibility level , you might be able to qualify for Medicaid if your state has a Medicaid spend-down program.

Can you get a high SSDI check without health insurance?

In too many cases, that means that individuals who get a high SSDI check will go without health insurance during their waiting period for Medicare coverage. Fortunately, there are a few programs that can offer a way for some disabled adults who are "over-income" for Medicaid to qualify while they wait for Medicare coverage.

When can I convert my disability to retirement?

Individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can expect to see quite a change when they turn 65. At that age, SSDI benefits are converted to traditional Social Security benefits.

What happens to Social Security when you retire?

When you become eligible for disability benefits, Social Security sets your benefit amount as if you had reached full retirement age. For most beneficiaries, the amount of their Social Security retirement benefit check remains the same as their Social Security disability benefits check.

Can I collect Social Security Disability and Social Security Disability at the same time?

You may not collect Social Security disability and retirement benefits at the same time. 2. SSDI may convert to retirement benefits at age 65, 66 or 67. Only people born before 1937 receive full Social Security retirement benefits upon turning 65. The rest of us will have to wait a little longer, and that includes people who receive Social Security ...

Can I get SSDI at age 65?

That means you can increase your income through a part-time job without impacting your monthly benefit amount. 5. You cannot convert SSDI to retirement benefits before age 65. Reaching age 62 opens the door for collecting partial Social Security benefits.

Can you get a Social Security disability if you didn't pay taxes?

One exception to this rule is if you are receiving workers’ compensation or a public disability benefit from a government job for which you did not pay Social Security taxes. These additional benefits can reduce your actual Social Security disability payment amount.

Can you limit your disability if you are on Social Security?

When you ’re on disability benefits, any additional income you earn can potentially limit your disability benefit payment amounts. But those limits are lifted when your benefits are converted to Social Security retirement benefits.

Do I need to take Social Security Disability to retire?

1. You do not need to take any action to convert SSDI to retirement benefits. Your benefits will technically change from Social Security Disability Insurance to Social Security retirement benefits at the appropriate time. There is no action that you must take. You will still receive your monthly check just as you always have.

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