Myth Busted: Continuation of Medicare Coverage
MYTH: "If I go to work, I will automatically lose my Medicare."
Many people believe that they will automatically lose their Medicare or Medicaid as soon as they start working. But did you know that as long as you're receiving a cash payment in any amount, you'll keep your Medicare or Medicaid?
But what if you've returned to work and have replaced your cash payments with earnings from your job? For that, let's talk about a Social Security Work Incentive, Continuation of Medicare Coverage, that helps people who receive SSDI continue receiving Medicare as they transition to work!
Continuation of Medicare Coverage
When transitioning to the workplace, most people who receive SSDI who work will continue to receive at least 93 consecutive months of:
- Hospital Insurance (Part A);
- Supplemental Medical Insurance (Part B), if enrolled; and
- Prescription Drug coverage (Part D), if enrolled.
This is called Continuation of Medicare Coverage or the Extended Period of Medicare Coverage.
Medicare and Medicaid Work Incentives
Social Security Work Incentives make it easier for people with disabilities to work and still receive medical benefits and, in some cases, cash payments from Social Security.
As you join the workplace, Continuation of Medicare and other Work Incentives can give you the confidence and support to achieve financial independence. You can also learn more about 2 other Work Incentives that may help you continue receiving healthcare as you start working. Check out Medicaid While Working if you receive SSI or Medicare for Persons with Disabilities Who Work if you receive SSDI.
Keep in mind that people who receive SSDI continue to receive their full benefits, including Medicare, during their Trial Work Period (TWP). So during the first 9 months that you work in a 5-year period, your benefits won't be affected. These 9 months do not need to be consecutive, but they may be. Once you finish your last month of TWP, the 93 months of Continuation of Medicare Coverage will begin. The 93 months start the month after the last month of your Trial Work Period. To qualify:
- You must already have Medicare and be working at Substantial Gainful Activity; and
- You cannot be medically improved.
Although your benefit payments may stop due to work, your Medicare will continue. 93 months is 7 years and 9 months!
Questions about Medicare?
If you have questions about Medicare, please call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or 1-877-486-2048 (TTY) and ask to speak to a representative. You'll need to have your Medicare Number available and be prepared to tell the representative your state. Or you can visit Medicare.gov to find information online.
About Ticket to Work
Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.
Learn more
To learn more about the Ticket program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket program Find Help tool.
