Comments on: 24 Month Waiting Period for Medicare Benefits in Approved SSDI Cases Causes Hardship

By: Sonja

Sonja — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:41:09 +0000

I am a disabled person that has recieved my ssdi benifits since july of 2004. Up until August of 2009 I never had to pay the premiums for my medicare. The social security dept. takes 100.00 a month out of my check which is barely enough to keep me going. I am homeless brcause i cant afford to pay rent with the remaining 750.00 i recieve. Why am I now having a co-pay with my medical bills and have to pay the premium for my medicare. Please help me understand.

By: J. Jacobsen

J. Jacobsen — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:11:09 +0000

Hi Jonathan

I am awaiting my administrative law judge hearing. Thankfully, my case is finally coming up within the week after a year and a half wait.

Last spring, I read about HR 1708/S 700, a bill proposed to phase out the Medicare waiting period for people on Social Security Disability. However, in an internet search tonight, I can find no more information about it it's status. I see that Obama first co-sponsored the bill in 2007. I assume it must have not passed that time. I am wondering if the same thing has happend this time? If so, it's a dirty, shame.

Do you know anymore about the status of this bill?

By: Marlene Campo

Marlene Campo — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:28:07 +0000

I am very aware of the hardships caused by the 24 month waiting period as I was a non-attorny Claimant's Representative beginning in 1980 and I am just now retiring or perhaps I should say quitting.

However, the long wait (sometimes 3 years or more) it takes for a Case to be approved for disability (in many cases) in fact most cases result in the Claimant qualifying for Medicare by the time the claimant knows they are approved. However, that waiting period still applies and prevents claimants from getting back Doctor and Hospital bills approved during the 2 years of the "waiting period".

I am certainly in favor of the 2 year waiting period after the date the claimant is adjudicated as disabled to be eliminated.