The following information is from Medicare.gov.

If you are under age 65 and disabled, and have been entitled to disability benefits under Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for 24 months, you will be automatically entitled to Medicare Part A and Part B beginning the 25th month of disability benefit entitlement. You do not need to do anything to enroll in Medicare. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about 3 months before your Medicare entitlement date.

You may refuse Part B coverage. However, if you decide to pick up Part B coverage at a later date, but before you turn 65, you may have to pay a 10% surcharge in addition to the Part B premium. Also, please be aware that you will automatically be re-enrolled in Part B when you turn 65, even if you previously refused Part B coverage. You may again refuse coverage, but if you keep it you will not have to pay a surcharge.

Note: A Special Enrollment Period is available if you waited to enroll in Medicare Part B because you or your spouse was working AND had group health coverage through a current employer or union. If this applies, you can sign up for Medicare Part B:

  • While you are still covered by an employer or union group health plan, through your or your spouse’s employment, or
  • During the 8 months following the month when the employer or union group health plan coverage ends or when the employment ends (whichever comes first).

The Social Security Office can answer questions about applying or appealing Social Security Disability benefits. They can also answer questions about when you will be eligible to receive Medicare.

Your 24-month waiting period will be waived if you have been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). This disease is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.