Noteboom The Law Firm

Know the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid

If you have just started receiving Social Security disability or Supplemental Security Income, you probably have questions about how to get medical coverage. Often, your lawyer can tell you what programs you qualify for, but reading up on the eligibility requirements of each offering is also encouraged.

Medicare is typically offered to the elderly and those receiving disability payments. More specifically, the following are frequently the only recipients of this type of medical coverage: 

• Seniors over age 65
• Those eligible for disability payments for more than 24 months
• Patients with kidney failure that need dialysis
• Those who suffer from Lou Gehrig's disease and just started getting disability benefits
• Those who have had a kidney transplant

Most people who get disability payments simply look forward to the day they can qualify for Medicare. Remember that you do not necessarily need to receive disability payments for two years, but you just need to be eligible for them for that long.

If none of these descriptions apply to you, you might wonder if you can get Medicaid instead. This type of coverage is offered by your state, so many regulations differ depending on where you live. However, the basic requirements include the following: 

• You must be disabled, elderly, or blind
• You must be financially needy, so you need to meet the maximum income requirements

Many women who are pregnant or have small children and have little money are eligible, as are many recipients of SSI. However, some states are more lenient regarding requirements than others, so find out what your state requires before you depend on the possibility of getting this coverage.

If you are not sure which of these programs you qualify for, if any, contact your lawyer to find out. Often, your specific case details are important in determining your eligibility.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.