State governments and the federal government provide a number of health insurance coverage options for people with disabilities.
Both state governments and the federal government provide health insurance for people who have a disability. Medicaid is a state-run program offered to individuals living on low incomes and those who have an eligible disability. Medicare is a health insurance program run by the federal government, and though it is most often associated with the elderly, people of any age with certain disabilities can receive it.
Medicaid
Medicaid is health insurance that is available to certain individuals and families who have limited income and resources. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicaid is the largest health care program in the country. It provides insurance to more than 52 million people, 8.4 million of whom have severe disabilities. Rules on eligibility vary from state to state, but generally to qualify, individuals must have low incomes, have few assets, and meet residency regulations. As long as they are medically necessary services, Medicaid covers inpatient and outpatient hospital care, health clinic care, physician services, lab work and X-rays, family planning, nurse midwife/practitioner services, screening, diagnostic and treatment services, immunizations for minors, and nursing and home health care.
Medicare
The federal government provides health insurance, called Medicare, to 41 million people, 13 million of whom have disabilities or long-term illnesses that impair their daily living. To be eligible you must have worked and paid into the Social Security system and retired, or become disabled. The government sets a high standard for what is considered a disability. You will be required to undergo examinations to determine whether you are eligible, as well as endure the 29-month waiting period after eligibility is confirmed. Some disabilities are exempt from the waiting period. Medicare pays for preventive care like doctor's visits, rehabilitation services, mental health, home health and medical equipment. Contact your local Social Security office to begin enrollment.
Prescription Drugs
To get prescription drug coverage under Medicare, you must add Medicare prescription drug coverage, called Part D, to your plan. Costs and benefits vary considerably by plan. If you have a low income, you may qualify for getting assistance in covering your prescriptions through your state Medicaid office. Many disabled people are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, but under Medicaid alone, prescription drug coverage is an optional service that varies from state to state. Medicaid beneficiaries who are disabled generally get their prescriptions through Medicare.
Children and Dependents
If the adult child of a Medicare recipient has a permanent or severe disability that developed before age 22, that adult child may be eligible for Medicare insurance. In addition, if the primary Medicare beneficiary dies, her spouse and dependents can continue to receive Medicare coverage. Medicaid covers families, but coverage of children is based on the child's status, not the parents. If the child is disabled or lives in a low-income home, he may be eligible.
Cash Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays cash benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance, to individuals who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or that could result in death. Certain family members may also receive cash benefits because of the primary beneficiary's disability status. The SSA will determine your eligibility to receive payments based on how long you worked and paid into social security and how recently you worked before you became disabled.
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