Many people in Orlando, Winter Park and throughout Florida receive financial help through Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
SSD benefits are paid to those who are unable to work as a result of a disability. SSI benefits are for people with limited incomes who need supplementary financial help from the government.
According to the most recent monthly statistical snapshot from the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSD benefits recipients receive, on average, $1,165.18 per month. Those receiving SSI benefits, meanwhile, are paid $648.33 per month.
Although these payments can be a tremendous benefit to recipients, they may be hardly enough to cover basic living costs such as rent or mortgage payments, transportation, food and clothing. A major concern is that they may fail to cover medical expenses that disability benefits recipients may incur.
As a result, a question we often hear at our law firm is, “If I receive disability benefits, can I also receive Medicare or Medicaid?”
In general, individuals who are on SSD or SSI benefits can be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. However, there are very specific rules that apply to each type of benefit.
The best way to determine your eligibility is to contact the law firm of Frank M. Eidson, P.A. Orlando Social Security disability lawyer, Frank M. Eidson, can review your case and help you to understand what benefits you can seek, including coverage of your medical care and treatment costs.
Simply call or reach us online today. We will provide a free, timely consultation.
Medicare or Medicaid for SSD Beneficiaries
The good news for individuals receiving SSD benefits is that, after two continuous years of starting your benefits payments, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. This includes both hospital insurance and medical insurance.
Additionally, everyone who has Medicare also has coverage for his or her prescription drugs. However, for most people living with a disability, two years is just too long to wait for medical coverage.
In Florida, individuals who are disabled may be eligible for Medicaid in the interim between first becoming disabled and the end of the two-year waiting period before Medicare benefits kick in.
Eligibility for Medicaid is dependent on a person’s income and assets. So, eligibility will vary from person to person. The best way to find out if you are eligible is to speak with an attorney.
At our firm, we can easily determine if your benefits preclude you from receiving Medicaid benefits. If so, we can assist in trying to secure medical coverage for you until your two-year waiting period has come to an end.
Medicare or Medicaid for SSI Beneficiaries
For those who receive monthly SSI benefits, you are automatically enrolled in Medicaid. One advantage is that, unlike SSD benefits, there is no waiting period for your medical coverage.
Certain requirements must be met. However, if you are already receiving SSI benefits, you most likely will qualify for Medicaid benefits as well. For instance, the requirements include age and citizenship requirements. You must also prove Florida residency. Additional requirements can be found in the State of Florida’s Medicaid Fact Sheet.
While they may be eligible for Medicaid benefits, those on SSI are not eligible for Medicare assistance. However, if all eligibility requirements are met, individuals will have close to full medical coverage through Medicaid.
Additionally, Medicaid often covers the cost of hospice care, long-term nursing and other end-of-life care for those with a terminal illness. Each case is different and must be evaluated.
An Orlando Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help You
At Frank M. Eidson, P.A., we are dedicated to assisting the disabled in Orlando, Winter Park and throughout Florida. We want to help you to get the most out of the government benefits available to you. We fight tirelessly for our clients.
Orlando Social Security disability lawyer, Frank M. Eidson has a keen understanding of the rules that determine one’s eligibility for SSD benefits and SSI benefits as well as for Medicare and Medicaid assistance. He can guide you through every step in the process of applying for and receiving these benefits.
Contact us today for a free review of your case.
Sources / More Information
- Medicare while on Disability, Social Security Administration
- SSI/Medicaid Fact Sheet, Florida Department of Children and Families
