A concern that is often expressed by people in Kissimmee who are seeking, or have already been approved for Social Security Disability benefits for injury, is how their medical expenses will be paid. Injured people can face hefty costs if they need long-term care for their injury, which can be a major worry for disability claimants. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration will automatically enroll a claimant in Medicare after the person has received disability benefits for two years.
There are two different parts of Medicare that the claimant will be enrolled in after the two years have passed. Part A will be hospital insurance. This will help claimants pay for bills accrued for inpatient hospital stays and a certain amount of aftercare. This was financed by the injured person’s taxes that they paid while working, so there will be no other payments necessary. Part B is medical insurance. This assists in paying doctors’ bills, hospital care on an outpatient basis, and other medical care. It requires a monthly premium and is optional. The majority of people have both A and B.
There are other available options besides Medicare Parts A and B. For example, Part C plans, also known as Medicare Advantage, are offered by private companies that are approved by Medicare. Those who decide to join Medicare Advantage will still retain their Medicare although the Medicare Advantage will cover both Parts A and B. It will cover costs that are not normally covered by normal Medicare plans such as hearing, dental, vision, and health and wellness.
In addition, Medicare Part D is for prescription drug coverage. This will pay for medications that are prescribed by doctors. Those who are classified as low-income can also receive assistance from Medicare. It is possible that the premiums will be paid by the state as will other costs like deductibles.
When receiving disability due to injury, there are certain keys that a claimant must remember. Once the federal requirements are met, there could also be other benefits associated with Medicare once the disability has been in place for two years. Discussing these matters with a lawyer can provide more information and assistance with a claim.
Source: SSA.gov, “Disability Planner: Medicare Coverage If You’re Disabled,” accessed on Aug. 25, 2015
