What is the Medicare waiting period?
Certain factors may influence Medicare to forego the usual waiting period. In most cases, the Medicare waiting period lasts for 2 years and can be accessed by people who get SSDI benefits [2]. People older than 65 cannot enjoy the benefits of a waiting period.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) usually approves SSDI benefits for people younger than 65. However, the person must wait for 2 years to acess Medicare benefits.
If you are qualified, you can apply for Medicare 3 months before your 65th birthday. You will begin to acess your Medicare benefits if you have SSDI benefits and turn 65 within the Medicare waiting period. If you have received SSDI benefits for 24 months, Medicare will allow you access healthcare benefits even if your age does not meet the requirement.
Anybody can be eligible to SSDI benefits. However, you must have a medical illness that is in line with the SSA disability requirement and be out of work for at least one year. You must have also worked in a company that is covered by social security. The Medicare waiting period begins when the SSA approves an application. If you are qualified, you will receive a Medicare card for Medicare Part A [3] (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B [4] (Medicare insurance) in the 22nd month of the waiting period. Your Medicare coverage will also begin on the 25th month.