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ESRD Medicare Coverage
ESRD Medicare coverage can provide coverage for permanent kidney failure that requires dialysis or a kidney transplant. To be eligible, you must be diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and qualify for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or Social Security retirement benefits/railroad retirement benefits based on your work history.
ALS Medicare Coverage
If you have been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, you will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and B) the first month you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or a railroad disability annuity check.
Other Qualifying Disabilities
You are automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and B) after you have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months or have certain disability benefits from the RRB for 24 months. If you qualify, you will get your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 25th month of disability.
How to Enroll in Coverage Beyond Original Medicare
Health costs can quickly add up. It’s great that Original Medicare is available with qualifying disabilities to people under 65, but what about coverage beyond Original Medicare? Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Part D plans can add additional benefits and help you save on out-of-pocket costs.
How long does a disability last?
For the purposes of Social Security Disability Insurance, impairments must last at least more than 12 months in duration. 1 . Definitions of disability can vary from person to person but Medicare guidelines leave no room for interpretation. Someone must be incapacitated for the long term.
How long does it take to get Medicare?
This process alone can take several months to complete. It may take three to six months for the Social Security Administration to approve your application.
Who is Elaine Hinzey?
Elaine Hinzey is a fact checker, writer, researcher, and registered dietitian. Learn about our editorial process. Elaine Hinzey, RD. Updated on October 22, 2020. Not everyone who is eligible for Medicare is 65 years and older.
How many people have ALS?
It is estimated that as many as 16,000 Americans have ALS at any one time. 2 The severity and rapid progression of the disease requires a higher level of medical care and services. You are immediately eligible for Medicare and should apply as soon as possible. There is no waiting period. 3 .
How long does Medicare cover kidney transplant?
If you get a kidney transplant, Medicare coverage may not be long term. The program will provide coverage for 36 months after a Medicare-approved transplant.
How many people have end stage renal disease?
You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD): About 15 percent of Americans are estimated to have chronic kidney disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 4 More than 100,000 people go on to develop kidney failure, also referred to as end-stage renal disease, each year.
How long does it take for Social Security to approve a claim?
It may take three to six months for the Social Security Administration to approve your application. The application process could be expedited if your medical condition is on the list of Compassionate Allowances Conditions. 5 .
Medicare Eligibility for People With Disabilities
Even if you’re under the age of 65, you can qualify for Medicare if you have certain disabilities. You may be eligible for Medicare coverage if any of the following apply to you:
Enrolling in Medicare With a Disability
In some cases, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, also known as Original Medicare, if you have a disability.
How Much Does Medicare Cost?
Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on which Medicare coverage you have. Medicare Part A typically costs nothing, but you may have to pay an annual premium if you didn’t work and pay Medicare taxes for enough quarters. Medicare Part B, Part C, and Part D all have separate premiums and deductibles.
Medicare Resources for People With Disabilities
If you need help determining if you’re eligible for Medicare, navigating the Medicare enrollment process, or understanding how Medicare coverage works with SSDI or RRB disability benefits, consult the resources below.
FAQs About Medicare for People With Disabilities
The Medicare guidelines can be confusing, especially if you’re under the age of 65 and need to know if you qualify for coverage because you have ALS, ESRD, or another disability. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Medicare for a person with a disability.
How old do you have to be to qualify for Medicare?
If you're age 65 or older, you will typically qualify for Medicare automatically. But you can also qualify for Medicare if you have a disability as determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you're at least 20 years old.
What are the different types of disability?
The SSA determines disability eligibility through the examination of medical records, expert consults and a claimant's self-report of activity limitations. The scope and severity of health issues that lead to disability determinations are different for each individual. The SSA categorizes disabilities into the following groups : 1 Sensory and speech disorders 2 Musculoskeletal conditions 3 Cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses 4 Neurological disorders 5 Cancer and immune system disorders 6 Mental health conditions 7 Congenital disorders 8 Endocrine and digestive conditions 9 Skin disorders
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
Types of Social Security Disability Benefits: SSI vs. SSDI. Most people are awarded either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSI is based on financial need, and SSDI is awarded if you have a minimum work history. Individuals with SSI may qualify for Medicaid in their home state.
How does the SSA determine disability eligibility?
The SSA determines disability eligibility through the examination of medical records, expert consults and a claimant's self-report of activity limitations. The scope and severity of health issues that lead to disability determinations are different for each individual.
Does Medicare cover special needs?
Medicare plans for individuals with special needs offer coverage for services typically covered by traditional Medicare with the addition of enhanced benefits, such as vision, dental, transportation assistance and meal delivery. Furthermore, you can transition to a special needs plan as soon as you meet the criteria.
What is Medicare for seniors?
Medicare Program. Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older or people with certain disabilities.
What is Medicare for people 65 and older?
What is Medicare Program? Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older, people under 65 with certain disabilities, and people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). When you first enroll in Medicare, you’ll have Original Medicare, unless you make another choice.
What is Spina Bifida?
Spina Bifida (not including spina bifida occulta) End-stage renal disease (e.g., kidney failure requiring dialysis or a scheduled or completed transplant) Given birth during the last six months. Breastfeeding an infant. Pre-diabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes. Child with ADHD.
Health
Definition
- Definitions of disability can vary from person to person but Medicare guidelines leave no room for interpretation. Someone must be incapacitated for the long term. You will meet disability criteria for Medicare eligibility only if you fall into one of the following three categories.
Prognosis
- Also known as Lou Gehrigs disease, ALS is a debilitating neurologic disease that can lead to muscle atrophy, breathing difficulties and even death. It is estimated that as many as 20,000 Americans have ALS at any one time. The severity and rapid progression of the disease requires a higher level of medical care and services.
Overview
- More than 10 percent of Americans are estimated to have chronic kidney disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 100,000 people go on to develop kidney failure, also referred to as end-stage renal disease, each year. When your kidneys fail, your body cannot filter toxins out of the body. You will require dialysis treatment or a kidney transplan…
Results
- Your coverage benefits begin three months after you start dialysis treatment. If you get a kidney transplant, Medicare coverage may not be long term. The program will provide coverage for 36 months after a Medicare-approved transplant. After that, if your new kidney remains functional, you will no longer be eligible for Medicare, and you will lose your coverage. You are not eligible f…
Qualification
- A number of other medical conditions can qualify as disabilities. In order to be recognized as Medicare eligible, the person must have gone through the rigorous application process of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance. This process alone can take several months to complete.
Effects
- This assures the government that the disability is severe enough to warrant Medicare coverage. The Social Security Administration reported that 8,939 disabled workers received disability benefits in April 2015.