People with disabilities

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) & Medicare coverage

If you get Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and have Medicare

• You’re considered covered under the health care law and don’t have to pay the penalty that people without coverage must pay.
• You can’t enroll in a Marketplace plan to replace or supplement your Medicare coverage.
  • One exception: If you enrolled in a Marketplace plan before getting Medicare, you can keep your Marketplace plan as supplemental insurance when you enroll in Medicare. But if you do this, you’ll lose any premium tax credits and other savings for your Marketplace plan.
  • Learn about other Medicare supplement options.

If you get SSDI benefits and are in a 24-month waiting period before getting Medicare

• You may be able to get Medicaid coverage while you wait. You can apply 2 ways:
  • Create an account or log in to complete an application. Answer “yes” when asked if you have a disability. We’ll forward your application to your state Medicaid agency.
  • Apply directly to your state Medicaid agency. Select your state from the menu on this Medicaid page for contact information.
• If you’re eligible for Medicaid, your Medicaid eligibility may continue even after you enroll in Medicare.
• If you’re turned down for Medicaid, you may be able to enroll in a private health plan through the Marketplace while waiting for your Medicare coverage to start. You may qualify for lower costs on Marketplace coverage based on your income and household size.