When a disabled person on SSI & Medicaid is forced into early retirement (age 62) is that person automatically eligible for Medicare or does the person have to wait until age 65? If eligible, does that person need to apply themselves or once receiving Social Security does Medicare automatically begin since Medicaid was terminated? Does the person need to reapply for Medicaid? Can the person possibly receive both as primary & secondary coverage?

Hi,

People required to file for Social Security retirement benefits at age 62 as a condition for continuing SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and Medicaid eligibility do not qualify for Medicare until age 65. Such individuals are automatically enrolled in Parts A & B of Medicare at age 65, although they are given the option to refuse Part B coverage.

However, if a person is entitled to Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), then they qualify for Medicare coverage effective with the earlier of a) their 25th month of SSDI entitlement, or b) age 65.

I'm not an expert on Medicaid, so I don't know under what circumstances a person would need to reapply. It is possible to have both Medicare and Medicaid, though, with Medicaid essentially picking up where Medicare leaves off.

Best, Jerry