Mr. Bauer is 49 years old, but eighteen months ago he was declared disabled by the Social Security Administration and has been receiving disability payments. He is wondering whether he can obtain coverage under Medicare. What should you tell him?
Select one: a. He became eligible for Medicare when his disability eligibility determination was first made. b. Individuals who become eligible for such disability payments only have to wait 12 months before they can apply for coverage under Medicare. c. Individuals receiving such disability payments from the Social Security Administration continue to receive those payments but only become eligible for Medicare upon reaching age 65. d. After receiving such disability payments for 24 months, he will be automatically enrolled in Medicare, regardless of age.
The correct answer would be:
After receiving such disability payments for 24 months, he will be automatically enrolled in Medicare, regardless of age.
In the United States, individuals under 65 who have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 months are eligible for Medicare, regardless of their age. Since Mr. Bauer has already been receiving disability payments for 18 months, he should be eligible for Medicare in six more months.
