← Return to Disability and Medicare: Has anyone qualified for Medicare under 65?

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@lindabees

Once they approve your disability status you are automatically eligible for Medicare after 2 years. They will send you notices
I agree 100% with others that when you do choose a Medicare plan, do not go with Medicare Advantage. It will limit your choice of doctors to a narrow network. If you can afford the premiums, then go with original Medicare and a supplemental plan. That allows you to see any Medicare accepting doctor in the US

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Replies to "Once they approve your disability status you are automatically eligible for Medicare after 2 years. They..."

I'd like to expand on info from @lindabees: Depending on the state and county in which you live, Medicare Advantage plans CAN be 'just fine' IF you choose a PPO, NOT an HMO. HMOs typically have a narrow network whereas PPOs typically do not. Advantage plans, both HMOs and PPOs, typically also offer additional benefits vs. choosing a Medicare "supplement" plan, e.g., Plan G, Plan A, etc., which typically don't offer 'extras'.

An important note: EVERY Medicare supplement plan carrier offers the same benefits BUT they can charge whatever they want - meaning, EVERY plan offers the same coverage but one plan may cost (making the #s up here) $500/month and another carrier may cost $250/month.

Best advice: call your local SHIP office - usually found under your state's Board on Aging department. SHIP information is FREE, UNBIASED, unable to 'sell' anything ,- and designed to help citizens choose a Medicare plan. Also, remember: if you DO decide to use a broker: remember to ask if they are licensed to sell EVERY plan available to you in your area - some only sell one carrier's plan(s) and so......... you might be missing out on a plan the best suits your circumstances.

Medicare.gov has a robust plan finder that includes adding medications if you'd like. Please remember to compare apples to apples when choosing a plan - that means: when you've narrowed down your choices, go read the plan's Evidence of Coverage (EOC) - that's the fine print. EOCs can be found on each insurer's webpage. Is it a bit of time and work? Yes! Is it important? That depends on you, your circumstances, etc.

Open Enrollment ENDS 7 December 2024 - check you plan EVERY year, especially the Rx coverage (for tier changes, etc.)!!!

All best,

A former certified SHIP counselor, now retired