If you are eligible for Social Security disability in New Jersey, it is only right that you should receive the maximum available amount of benefits. What many disabled workers don’t realize is that they could have many of their doctor’s appointments and follow-up care paid for by Social Security.
If you have been receiving disability benefits for 24 consecutive months, you are now qualified to receive Medicare. The Social Security Administration should send you information about Medicare a few months before you are eligible for coverage.
While there are many types of Medicare benefits, the most common are Part A and Part B, which provides payment for different types of hospital services. However, there are differences between the two. For example:
Part A
This plan helps victims pay for inpatient hospital care and follow-up services. Workers are eligible for Medicare hospital insurance when or if:
- They turn 65.
- They are eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.
- They are government employees not covered by Social Security who paid the Medicare tax.
- Their (current or former) spouse meets the work eligibility requirement.
- You have received Social Security disability benefits for two years
Some victims will qualify for Medicare hospital insurance immediately, such as those who have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) or who have permanent kidney failure that requires dialysis or a kidney transplant. Spouses and children of qualified workers also do not have to wait 24 months to qualify.
Part B
This is a medical insurance plan that pays for a portion of doctor’s visits, outpatient hospital care, and other medical services. Almost everyone who qualifies for regular medical insurance will be eligible for Medicare Part B. However, workers should be aware that this insurance is not free: if you opt for Part B, you must pay a monthly premium. While rates vary depending on income, the standard monthly premium in 2013 was $104.90.
If you are eligible for Medicare but cannot afford the premiums, you may be able to receive help from the state. New Jersey Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income Medicare beneficiaries, and may even cover other medical expenses (such as deductibles and co-pays).
To find out what kinds of disability payments you and your family could receive, call Manfred F. Ricciardelli, Jr. today at (877) 360-0183. We will be happy to advise you of your options in your FREE consultation.