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Questions and Answers on Extended Medicare Coverage for Working People with Disabilities |
On October 1, 2000, a new law extended Medicare coverage for an additional 4 1/2 years beyond the current limit. This law is for people who receive Social Security disability benefits and who go to work. Under this law, how long will I get to keep Medicare if I return to work? As long as your disabling condition still meets our rules, you can keep your Medicare coverage for at least 8 ½ years after you return to work. (The 8 ½ years includes your nine month trial work period.) After my Trial Work Period, how long will I have Medicare coverage? You will get at least 7 years and 9 months of continued Medicare coverage, as long as your disabling condition still meets our rules. I completed my Trial Work Period. I am now in my 36 month of Extended Period of Eligibility. Will this law apply to me? Yes, this will apply to you. Note: I have Medicare hospital Insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) coverage. Will I get to keep both parts under this law? Yes, as long as your disabling condition still meets our rules. Your Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) coverage is premium-free. Your Medicare medical insurance (Part B) coverage will also continue. You or a third party (if applicable) will continue to pay for Part B. If your Social Security Disability Insurance cash benefits stop due to your work, you or a third party (if applicable) will be billed every 3 months for your medical insurance premiums. If you are receiving cash benefits, your medical insurance premiums will be deducted monthly from your check. I have Medicare (Part A) but I did not take Part B coverage when it was first offered to me. Can I get Part B now? Yes, this law did not change the enrollment periods. If you did not sign up for Part B when you first could, you can only sign up for it during a general enrollment period (January 1st through March 31st of each year) or a special enrollment period. The special enrollment period is a period of time, during which you may enroll. If you did not enroll during your initial enrollment period because you are covered under a group health plan based on your own current employment or the current employment of any family member. The special enrollment period may occur during any month you are covered under a group health plan based on current employment, or during the 8-month period that begins the first full month after employment or group health plan coverage ends, whichever comes first. When I return to work and get medical coverage through my employer, will this change my Medicare? Do I need to notify anyone?
Under this law will I still be able to purchase Medicare after my premium -free Medicare (hospital insurance) ends? Yes, this law did not change this. The same rules apply.
Do I need to apply for premium Medicare (hospital insurance, Part A)? If so, when? Once your premium free Medicare ends, you will get a notice that will tell you when you can file an application to purchase Medicare coverage. Note:
To find out more about this program, contact your county, local or State Social Services or medical assistance office. Ask about the Medicare buy-in program for Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals.
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Last reviewed or modified Tuesday Jul 24, 2012 |