Medical Benefits Available Through Social Security
If a disabled person is receiving Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI), they are entitled to government health insurance. However, the programs available for disabled persons are different in each program.
In Wisconsin, if a person is receiving SSI, they will be entitled to enroll in the State Medicaid program. Since SSI and Medicaid are poverty based programs, there are no income and asset limits which a disabled person must meet to qualify for this health insurance. As Medicaid is a federally funded program, there is no cost to the disabled person who receives SSI to pay for premiums to obtain this health insurance.
In the alternative, if a disabled person receives SSDI, they must be disabled for two years before they can qualify for Medicare through their disabled status. The disabled person may opt out of accepting Medicare. There is normally a low premium which must be paid if one determines they wish to receive Medicare. If a disabled person receiving SSDI opts to take this insurance, the premium expense is deducted from their monthly SSDI payments. A disabled person receiving SSDI benefits may elect to supplement their Medicaid with private Medicare supplemental policies.
If you are being represented by one of the disability attorneys in the all-female law firm of THOMPSON, BISSETT & CASTONIA, LLP, your attorney will discuss all of the various options in programs available to you. If you are not, please contact us today.
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