Medicare Eligibility

Did you know that you are eligible for Medicare 24 months after you are eligible for Social Security Disability? So, if you stopped working January 1, 2010, applied for Social Security Disability benefits and were approved for disability when you stopped working, that means that you would be eligible for Medicare beginning in June 2012.

"You're math is off! That's 29 months! You just said it was 24 months!"

Indeed, you are correct! June 2012 is 29 months after January 2010. You are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits AFTER the 5 month waiting period after you became disabled. So, if the Social Security Administration approves your disability application, you need to wait 5 months after you stopped working (after you became disabled and unable to work). After the 5 months, you are deemed "eligible" for Social Security Disability benefits. Count 24 months from then and you are eligible for Medicare. 24 + 5 = 29 months before you are eligible for Medicare.