Question:
I need some advice I have a gameplan (sorta)

Ok. This is what is happening now. I got in touch with my local medicaid place and they said I have to run up bills in excess to 5,000. Now I have an option. If I apply for SSI ( not disability I have never worked) In the waiting process can I apply for medicaid? Then try and get the surgery? Has anyone else done this and if so what was the result? I am terribly sorry about all the ?'s I am at wits end!! Thank you! :)    — Sonia R. (posted on October 26, 2002)

October 26, 2002
Yes you can apply for Medicaid while awaiting SSI. <p> In late 1998, I couldn't work anymore and applied for Disability. I was ill and had no health insurance anymore so I applied for Medicaid soon after. I brought a letter from my PCP stating I could no longer work for an undetermined amount of time and he listed my diagnoses. That letter got me waived from any work program Medicaid wanted me to attend. Eventually, I was approved for Disability and if I hadn't been on Medicaid by then, they would've gotten me signed on it then. <p> The way Social Security explained it to me, the only difference between SSI and Social Security Disability is that those on Social Security Disability have worked enough outside the home to earn enough credits to get it, while SSI recipients have not. SSI recipients get a much smaller monthly check than SSDI but they are automatically approved for Medicaid when their SSI is approved (due to income). Incidently, after being on SSI or SSDI for 24 months, you are automatically given Medicare for as long as you are considered disabled. Good luck to you.
   — thumpiez

October 27, 2002
I have worked for Social Security for 26 years. SSI and Social Security Disability have the same medical requirements. Social Security Disability (SSDI) also requires that you have the necessary quarters of work because it was designed to replace loss of wages due to a disability. The first 5 full months that you are disabled are a waiting period. No benefits are payable for these months. But if a person does not file right away, the application for SSDI can be retroactive to go back 12 months for paying of benefits (and for the 5 month retro period--so that is a total of 17 months). If you are found to be disabled benefits begin with the 6th month, but are paid a month behind. After a person draws these benefits for 24 months they become eligible for Medicare. The amount a person draws is dependent on how much their earnings have been. Like I said SSI has the same medical requirements, but it is designed for people who either are not eligible for SSDI or they have a very low SSDI benefit. The application for SSI is not retroactive, but there is no waiting period. If approved benefits begin with the application date. The amount a person receives is dependent on any income they have (and their spouse), plus on their living arrangement. In most states a person who is eligible for SSI is also eligible for Medicaid. In some states the application for SSI serves as an application for Medicaid and in other states an application has to be made with the welfare office. I believe that Medicaid can go back 3 months to pick up medical expenses if needed. SSI eligiblity does not make a person eligible for Medicare.
   — jan M.