In general, Medicare is available for anyone over the age of 65. However, some people with certain disabilities may be able to obtain coverage through Medicare at a younger age. If you think you have a qualifying disability, Family Insurance Associates of Ruidoso, NM is happy to discuss available options with you.

What Disabilities Qualify for Medicare?

In order to qualify for Medicare under the age of 65, a person must have been receiving Social Security Disability benefits for at least two years. In addition, someone with End-Stage Renal Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis may also qualify for coverage.

It is important to note that there is a waiting period of five months for a person to begin collecting disability benefits once it has been determined that they are disabled. However, people with ALS or ESRD are not required to collect benefits for the two-year minimum in order to qualify for Medicare.

To qualify for Medicare with ESRD, the person must generally have completed three months of regular dialysis or have had a kidney transplant. People with ALS are eligible for Medicare as soon as they begin collecting disability benefits.

Enrolling in Medicare

Typically, once someone meets the criteria for Social Security Disability, they will be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically. Anyone who meets the requirements but does not qualify for Social Security benefits will be able to purchase Medicare and pay a monthly premium for Part A and Part B.

Anyone qualified for disability benefits will receive a Medicare card via mail once the required time period passes. In the event they do not receive a card, they will need to contact the Social Security office directly.

If you need help in determining the benefits for which you qualify, contact Family Insurance Associates of Ruidoso, NM.