Medicare & Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)
for Social Security Disability Beneficiaries
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Spotlight on Social Security
Medicare & Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)
for Social Security Disability Beneficiaries
Medicare and MSPs are two important programs that can help you get the healthcare you need while saving money. Whether you are just starting to learn about benefits or looking for ways to lower your costs, there are helpful resources to support you in moving forward with confidence.
Programs and Support:
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Medicare: A federal health insurance program for people 65+ and some younger people with disabilities. It includes Part A: Hospital insurance, Part B: Medical insurance, Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans, and Part D: Prescription drug coverage. Learn more at the Medicare website.
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Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): The federal agency that administers the Medicare program. CMS is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and is responsible for managing Medicare, overseeing Medicaid programs. It also sets the rules for MSPs. Learn more on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services website.
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California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS): Runs MSPs in California. There are many programs to help pay for Medicare costs if you qualify. Visit the Department of Health Care Services website for more information on eligibility, the application process, and which programs offer what benefits.
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Extended Period of Medicare Coverage (EPMC): A work incentive for SSDI beneficiaries who return to work. It allows continued Medicare coverage for at least 7.5 years after the end of the Trial Work Period (TWP). The EPMC ensures you can explore work opportunities without the immediate loss of critical healthcare coverage.
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County Contact List for MSPs (California): List of local county agencies handling MSP applications. Download a California County Medicare Savings Program contact list on the Department of Health Care Services website.
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Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) for Part D: Helps reduce prescription drug costs. MSP enrollment guarantees automatic qualification. Learn more on the Medicare website.
Practical Steps:
Here are simple actions you can take to get started or improve your Medicare coverage:
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Confirm which parts of Medicare you have (eligibility based on age or disability).
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Be prepared for the 24-month waiting period (if applicable). Your disability cash benefits will begin after 5 months of becoming eligible for SSDI, but medical coverage takes longer to go into effect.
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Check your eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs through DHCS. Compare your income to current eligibility limits on the DHCS or Medicare websites.
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Avoid late penalties by enrolling in Medicare when you are first eligible or by signing up for an MSP.
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Use your benefits wisely:
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If you’re working, you may keep Medicare through the EPMC for at least 93 months after your TWP.
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If you qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, you may get extra services like dental and vision care.
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Need help? Contact your local Social Security office, the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), or a Work Incentive Planner (WIP).
Key Takeaways:
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Medicare has 4 parts: A (hospital), B (medical), C (advantage plans), and D (prescriptions).
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SSDI recipients usually get Medicare after 24 months of benefits.
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MSPs help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments and can remove late enrollment penalties for Medicare Part B.
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MSPs, help you stay independent and keep health coverage affordable.
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Extra Help lowers prescription drug costs and comes automatically with MSP enrollment.
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Dual eligibility (Medicare + Medi-Cal) gives you more coverage and savings.
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You can work and keep Medicare for years if you stay medically eligible.
You’ve just taken a big step toward understanding how Medicare and MSPs can support your health and independence. These programs are here to help you; whether you are working, planning to work, or just trying to manage your healthcare, you have options and support. Want to learn more and stay inspired? The California Department Of Rehabilitation website offers many valuable resources. One of the most powerful tools is our Spotlight on Social Security YouTube channel which features webinars and workshops on a variety of Social Security-related topics. You can also explore inspiring success stories from people just like you. These resources are designed to guide your journey, help you thrive, and support your success.