Do disability benefits come with Medicare or Medicaid health insurance?

People who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are often curious whether or not they are eligible to received Medicare or Medicaid. Medicaid is a federal and state program that helps with health expenses for people with limited income and resources. Medicare is federal health insurance that provides primarily for people 65 years or older, as well as younger people who have been determined to be disabled.

SSDI and Medicare

Disabled people who have been approved for SSDI will receive Medicare benefits. However, there is a two year waiting period from the time one is eligible for SSDI benefit payments and when they become eligible for Medicare. Medicare premium payments are automatically withheld from SSDI benefit payments. There are exceptions to the two-year waiting period for people who have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

SSI and Medicaid

In most states, claimants who have been approved for SSI will be automatically approved and enrolled in Medicaid, and there is no waiting period. Some states have separate eligibility requirements based on income.