Federal Benefits Chart
Medicare Overview
The Medicare program is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and provides health insurance to individuals who are age 65 or older, individuals who are under age 65 and have been receiving SSDI for a certain period of time, and individuals with permanent kidney failure.
Key Decision Points
See Supplementary Security Income (SSI) / Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) key decision points if eligibility is linked to SSDI; otherwise consult relevant state/local agency or office.
Federal Funding Agency
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Relevant State/Local Agency, Office, and Contacts
Use the space below to write notes about which state/local agency or office oversees this benefit in your area and any related contacts. You can print this page for your records or log in to save your response for future reference.
Features
Medicare is a health insurance program that includes three main components: Part A, Part B, and Part D. Part A provides insurance coverage for hospital or inpatient services, Part B provides insurance coverage for outpatient services, and Part D provides insurance coverage for some prescriptions.
Eligibility
- Health
- Other
People who receive SSDI become eligible to receive Medicare after receiving SSDI (not SSI) for two years. The only exceptions are individuals who have Lou Gehrig’s disease or end-stage renal disease. These individuals receive Medicare immediately after being found eligible for SSDI.
Potential Limitations
See SSI/SSDI potential limitations if eligibility is linked to SSDI; otherwise consult relevant state/local agency or office.