Disability and Medicare

Do you have a disability and get Social Security disability payments? If so, you're eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B the 25th month you get Social Security disability payments. Your age doesn’t matter.

Medicare is a health insurance program for people:

• Ages 65 or older
• Under age 65 with certain disabilities
• With end-stage renal disease, also known as ESRD
• With Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as ALS

There are different types of Medicare.

• Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. You don't pay a premium.
• Medicare Part B is medical insurance. You pay a monthly premium.

If you have TRICARE and are also eligible for Medicare Part A, you must have Part B coverage to stay eligible for TRICARE. There are some exceptions. Learn more.

The Social Security Administration will let you know your Medicare start date. If your disability claim and Medicare entitlement are awarded retroactively, make sure your Medicare Part A and Part B effective dates match.

• If your Medicare effective dates don't match, TRICARE will try to get any payments back for claims paid when you had Part A coverage and no Part B.
• When you receive your letter from the SSA, read it carefully. Contact your case manager or a beneficiary counseling and assistance coordinator if you have questions.

Learn More about TRICARE and Medicare.