Qualifications
You may qualify for Medicare before age 65 if you:
- Have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
- Have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
If you have ESRD you may qualify for Medicare based on your diagnosis and treatment, regardless of age. Your NYSHIP coverage will continue, but how it works with Medicare will change over time.
If you are diagnosed with ESRD, contact EBD right away to report your diagnosis. You should also contact the Social Security Administration to understand when your Medicare coverage starts and how it works with your NYSHIP coverage. Your provider or dialysis center will submit the required documentation to the Social Security Administration on your behalf.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
If you have ALS, you might qualify for Medicare once you start receiving Social Security Disability benefits. In most cases, there is no waiting period for Medicare eligibility once SSDI benefits begin.
Contact the Social Security Administration to confirm your Medicare eligibility and enrollment and to confirm your Medicare effective date. Contact your HBA to learn how Medicare will coordinate with your NYSHIP coverage.
Keep a copy of your Medicare card and send it to your HBA to update your NYSHIP record.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
If you receive SSDI, you may become eligible for Medicare based on your disability status. In most cases, Medicare eligibility begins after you have received SSDI benefits for 24 months.
Contact your HBA to understand how Medicare will coordinate with your NYSHIP coverage.
Track your SSDI timeline so you know when you will become eligible for Medicare. Contact the Social Security Administration to confirm your Medicare eligibility and enrollment timing. Plan to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B so your coverage is in place when required.