What to Know when you Qualify for Medicare due to Disability in New Jersey

Are you interested in learning more about what to do when you qualify for Medicare based on disability in New Jersey? If you're going to be eligible for Medicare disability for the first time due to an existing condition or an injury, here's a primer on what you need to know about Medicare disability guidelines in the state of New Jersey.

What is Medicare Disability?

If you meet the qualifications for Social Security disability benefits, you will be eligible for Medicare health insurance after a 24 month waiting period. 

Qualifying for Medicare based on disability means you receive the financial support of Social Security benefits and medical insurance coverage.   Having this assistance helps with financing your housing and bills while also attending doctor visits, receiving tests and screenings, filling prescriptions, and ensuring you receive ongoing care for your conditions. 

The Difference Between Aging into Medicare vs. Medicare Disability in New Jersey

In New Jersey, when you are eligible for Medicare due to disability, you are limited in what Medicare Supplement options are available to you.  Medicare Supplement plans have a monthly fee and pay secondary to your Medicare Parts A and B coverage which comes from the government.  New Jersey residents under age 65 and eligible for Medicare due to disability only have one Medicare Supplement option available to them.  Medicare Supplement Plan D will pay for all doctor and hospital bills not paid for by Medicare Parts A and B except for a $203 deductible and Part B Excess charges.  

For the first six months of being eligible for Medicare Disability, there are no health questions asked to qualify for a Supplement Plan D.  After six months, you will have to answer health underwriting questions to qualify for a Supplement Plan and can be denied based on your health history.  

Medicare Supplement Plan D should not be confused with Medicare Part D, which is prescription drug coverage.  You will have to add a Part D prescription drug plan to your Medicare and Supplement insurance unless you have other credible drug coverage, such as Veterans Benefits.  

What Other Healthcare Options are Available when on Medicare Disability?

Anyone eligible for Medicare due to disability also has the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.  Medicare Advantage coverage would combine your doctor, hospital, and drug coverage into one plan offered through private insurance carriers.    There are no health questions asked to qualify for a Medicare Advantage plan; however, these plans are typically an HMO or PPO network, meaning you have to see doctors and hospitals willing to accept this coverage. 

You can not be enrolled in a Medicare Supplement and a Medicare Advantage plan; it is your choice to decide which plan makes sense for your healthcare, financial, and prescription needs. New Jersey Medicare Brokers agents can help you with this important decision.  

If you have questions about what to do with your Medicare disability coverage, contact New Jersey Medicare Brokers today.