Medicare on disability or SSDI

Automatic enrollment

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you are generally enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B automatically after 24 months of entitlement to disability benefits. Coverage usually starts the 25th month.

Social Security will mail your Medicare card. You can decline Part B, but understand the penalty and gap risks before you do.

Turning 65 while already on Medicare by disability

When you turn 65, your Medicare continues. Your Initial Enrollment Period for age-65 Medigap guaranteed issue may still matter if you want a Medigap policy — ask a licensed agent about timing in Tennessee.

ALS and ESRD

People with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) typically get Medicare sooner (no 24-month wait). End-stage renal disease (ESRD) has its own enrollment rules. See Medicare.gov or SSA for details.