@nkdonahue Hi and I'm not sure about the 3 year part but for me I had to wait 2 years from becoming on disability due to my transplant before being eligible for Medicare. I do remember them saying when I was applying that most who are younger may get it for a while but once they recover then it drops. So I got the impression that when your younger it's temporary. I'm already retirement age so I'm.not familiar with how it works for younger folks. I'm almost 62 and even tho I'm not Medicare age yet that due to my being on disability I would not lose it. So by your question I'm guessing the period of time is typically 3 years.
Have a Blessed Day
Dana