Though Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is of great help, it only covers total disabilities, which can leave room for financial concerns. This is why it is good to have other sources of benefits, such as Medicare and Medicaid. However, Medicare has a two-year waiting period. What can one do while waiting? They can try Medicaid.
Fortunately, one can qualify for both SSDI and Medicaid simultaneously. The fact that an individual is receiving SSDI benefits does not bar their Medicaid eligibility.
The difference between the two
SSDI is a government program that aims to assist people with medical conditions which fall under the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. The SSDI strictly only pays for total disabilities which claimants experienced or are expected to experience for more than a year or will result in death.
Medicaid, on the other hand, provides health care coverage to children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other individuals. In New Jersey, low-income individuals who are pregnant, have custody over minor children or have a disability are eligible to apply under the state’s Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare program.
Medicaid covers health care costs that the SSDI may not cover. This includes, but is not limited to, inpatient and outpatient medical services, laboratory, family planning and dental and nursing facility services.
The importance of assistance programs
Living with a disability affects not only a person’s physical and emotional well-being but also their financial capacity. Medical bills, treatment costs and prescription medicine are just some things they can worry about. Medical assistance programs like SSDI, Medicare and Medicaid lift many of those concerns from a person’s shoulders.
