Question: I Am Unable To Work Due To Disability. What Are My Options For Health Coverage?
Answer:
People who can no longer work due to disability may be eligible for benefits through the Social Security Administration. If Social Security determines that you have a disability and you are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are automatically eligible for Medicare.
The catch is that you must wait 24 months from the date you began receiving SSDI benefits before your Medicare benefits begin. So what can you do while you are waiting?
- Job-Based Coverage - I know it sounds crazy - how can you get job-based coverage if you can't work? It may be a long shot, but you could be eligible to join someone else's job-based plan as a dependent. If you live with a parent, spouse, child, or other family member that has job-based coverage, have them check with their plan to see if you can enroll. It doesn't cost anything to ask!
- Medicaid - although SSDI eligibility does not guarantee that you will also be eligible for Medicaid, it's worth a try, especially if you have no income due to your inability to work. Contact your state's Medicaid office for more information.
- Free Clinics - There are thousands of clinics across the United States that offer free or reduced-cost healthcare, depending on your ability to pay. Find one near you!
- Charity Care - Your local hospital may be able to help you find charity care which will offer you free or reduced-cost healthcare services.
