How SSDI and Health Coverage Work

• SSDI and Medicare: By default, people approved for SSDI become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. Medicare is a federal health insurance program, but it doesn’t always cover all healthcare needs.
• SSDI and Medicaid: Medicaid is a state-administered program that provides health coverage for people with limited income and resources. Unlike Medicare, there is no waiting period if you qualify financially.

Combining SSDI and Medicaid in Maine

In Maine, it is possible to receive both SSDI and Medicaid, but you must meet certain requirements:

1. Income and Asset Limits:
   Even though you’re receiving SSDI, you may still qualify for Medicaid if your income and resources are low enough. MaineCare (the state’s Medicaid program) sets these limits.
2. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs):
   If you become eligible for Medicare after two years of SSDI, Maine Medicaid may help pay for premiums, deductibles, or co-pays through programs like QMB, SLMB, and QI.
3. Dual Eligibility:
   Some Maine residents qualify as “dual eligibles”, meaning they receive both Medicare (through SSDI) and Medicaid (MaineCare). In these cases, Medicaid often covers costs that Medicare does not, such as prescription drugs, long-term care, and additional support services.

Why Combining SSDI and Medicaid Matters

Being able to combine SSDI benefits with Medicaid in Maine can:

• Provide comprehensive healthcare coverage, filling the gaps Medicare leaves.
• Help with costs like prescriptions, doctor visits, and hospital stays.
• Ensure access to long-term services or in-home care not typically covered by Medicare.

This combination can greatly ease financial and medical stress for disabled individuals living on limited income.