Medicare Disability
Written By Patrick Brenner 6/23/2025
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What is Medicare Disability?
Medicare Disability vs Medicare Over 65
Dual Eligibility
Medicare Disability and Turning 65
Key Points
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You qualify for Medicare Disability if you're under 65 and have received SSDI for 24 consecutive months, have ALS, or have ESRD.
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Medicare Disability functions virtually the same as Original Medicare with identical premiums and the same provider network. The only difference may be the Medicare Supplements available to you.
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When you turn 65, you receive a new Initial Enrollment Period that allows you to switch Medicare Supplement plans without health questions.
What is Medicare Disability?
If you are under the age of 65 and have been receiving SSDI for 24 consecutive months or have ALS or ESRD, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B. This is sometimes referred to as "Medicare Disability".
Medicare Disability vs. Medicare over 65
Medicare Disability functions in virtually the same way as Original Medicare for people over 65. The Medicare premiums and network are the same, and you often have access to the same Medicare prescription plans and Medicare Advantage plans available to those over 65 in your area.
The primary difference is the Medicare Supplements available to you. The Medicare Supplement plans and carriers you can enroll with while on Medicare Disability vary highly depending on your state, age, and Medicare start date.
Dual Eligibility As An Option
If you are on Medicare Disability, you may also qualify for Medicaid. If you have both, you may be considered “Dual-Eligible”. If this is the case, you have more options than those just enrolled in Medicare.
Check out our article on Medicaid here: Medicaid
Medicare Disability and Turning 65
When you first go onto Medicare Disability, you are given an Initial Enrollment Period. This allows you to waive any health questions related to Medicare Supplement enrollment. After the Initial Enrollment Period, it can be hard to switch Supplements while on Medicare Disability due to medical underwriting requirements.
When you turn 65, you are given a new Initial Enrollment Period. This allows you to switch your Medicare Supplement plan or carrier, or switch to a Supplement if you have been in the Medicare Advantage system.
About the Author
Patrick Brenner is a licensed life and health insurance broker with NJ Life and Health. He has personally helped hundreds of people with their Medicare needs across several states.