Yes, SSI recipients can get Medicare, but SSI alone does not make you eligible. Under 42 U.S.C. § 1382, Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based program tied to Medicaid, not Medicare. The confusion comes from mixing up SSI and SSDI — two programs with similar names but very different health coverage paths. SSI recipients reach Medicare through other qualifying events: turning 65, receiving concurrent SSDI benefits, or having a diagnosis like ALS or end-stage renal disease.
About 11.9 million Americans are currently enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. Many of them started on SSI and later gained Medicare through one of the pathways covered in this article.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- 🔑 The exact difference between SSI and SSDI — and why only one leads to Medicare
- 🏥 Every pathway an SSI recipient can use to get Medicare coverage
- 💰 How Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) can pay your premiums and copays
- ⚠️ The most expensive mistakes SSI recipients make when dealing with Medicare
- 📋 Step-by-step guidance on applying for Medicare and dual-eligible benefits
Why SSI Alone Won’t Qualify You for Medicare
SSI is funded through general federal tax revenues, not Social Security payroll taxes. This matters because Medicare is an insurance program funded by payroll taxes you and your employer pay over your working life. SSI, by design, serves people who have limited work history or no work history at all.
Because SSI recipients often lack the 40 work credits needed for premium-free Medicare Part A, the Social Security Administration does not automatically enroll them in Medicare. The program that SSI does connect you to is Medicaid — a completely different health coverage system run by individual states. This single distinction — Medicaid vs. Medicare — is where most of the confusion starts.
SSI vs. SSDI: The Health Coverage Split That Catches People Off Guard
These two programs sound alike but work in fundamentally different ways. One is based on financial need. The other is based on work history. The health coverage each one triggers is just as different.
What SSI Gives You: Medicaid in Most States
SSI provides monthly cash payments to people who are aged 65+, blind, or disabled and who have limited income and resources. In 42 states and the District of Columbia, SSI recipients get automatic Medicaid enrollment. You do not need to fill out a separate application in those states. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, long-term care, and more.
What SSDI Gives You: Medicare After 24 Months
SSDI is for workers who paid into Social Security through payroll taxes and then became disabled. After you receive SSDI for 24 consecutive months, you become eligible for Medicare Parts A and B. You are automatically enrolled — no application needed. People with ALS receive Medicare immediately with no waiting period at all.
Side-by-Side Breakdown
| Feature | SSI |
|---|---|
| Funding Source | General federal tax revenue |
| Based On | Financial need (low income/resources) |
| Health Coverage | Medicaid (in most states) |
| Work Credits Required | No |
| Max Monthly Benefit (2025) | $967 individual / $1,450 couple |
| Asset Limit | $2,000 individual / $3,000 couple |
| Feature | SSDI |
|---|---|
| Funding Source | Social Security payroll taxes |
| Based On | Work history and disability |
| Health Coverage | Medicare (after 24-month wait) |
| Work Credits Required | Yes (varies by age) |
| Max Monthly Benefit (2025) | $4,018 |
| Asset Limit | None |
The Real Paths SSI Recipients Use to Get Medicare
SSI alone does not open the door to Medicare. But several other qualifying events do. Many SSI recipients meet one of these conditions and don’t even realize it.
Path 1: Turning 65 With Enough Work Credits
Any SSI recipient who turns 65 and has earned at least 40 work credits through prior employment qualifies for premium-free Medicare Part A. The Social Security Administration will automatically enroll you if you are already receiving Social Security benefits. If you are not receiving Social Security benefits, you must contact the SSA and file a separate application.
Medicare Part B is also available at age 65, but it requires a monthly premium of $202.90 in 2026. For SSI recipients living on limited income, this premium can feel crushing. That’s where Medicare Savings Programs come in — covered later in this article.
Path 2: Receiving SSI and SSDI at the Same Time
Some people qualify for both SSI and SSDI. The Social Security Administration calls this receiving “concurrent” benefits. This happens when your SSDI payment is low enough that you also meet the income requirements for SSI. The SSI payment tops up your total monthly amount.
The critical part: once you have received SSDI for 24 months, you become eligible for Medicare — even if you are also on SSI. Your SSI status does not block or delay Medicare. The 24-month clock runs based on your SSDI entitlement date, not your SSI approval date.
Path 3: End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS
SSI recipients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) qualify for Medicare regardless of age or work history. There is no 24-month waiting period for ALS. For ESRD, Medicare coverage can begin as early as the first month of dialysis or after a kidney transplant, depending on the situation.
Path 4: Buying Into Medicare Part A
SSI recipients who turn 65 but lack 40 work credits can still enroll in Medicare Part A by paying a monthly premium. This is called premium Part A. In 2026, the full premium is significant, and you must also enroll in Part B and pay that premium to keep your Part A coverage.
You must file an application during a valid enrollment period. Missing the enrollment window means waiting until the next General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31 each year), with coverage starting July 1. Late enrollment can also trigger a 10% premium surcharge for twice the number of years you could have been enrolled but were not.
How Medicaid Works for SSI Recipients Across All 50 States
Federal law gives states three options for determining whether SSI recipients get Medicaid. The option your state chose affects how you get Medicaid and whether you need to apply separately.
1634 States: Automatic Medicaid, No Extra Paperwork
In 34 states and the District of Columbia, known as “Section 1634” states, the Social Security Administration handles Medicaid eligibility. The moment you are approved for SSI, the SSA sends your information to the state Medicaid office. You are automatically enrolled in Medicaid without filing a separate application.
These states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
SSI Criteria States: Same Rules, Separate Application
Eight states use the same SSI financial criteria but require you to file a separate Medicaid application. These are Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Utah. If you get SSI in one of these states, you will qualify for Medicaid — but you must take the extra step of applying.
209(b) States: Their Own Rules Entirely
Eight states set their own Medicaid eligibility criteria that may be stricter than SSI’s rules. These “209(b) states” are Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Virginia. Getting SSI in these states does not guarantee Medicaid.
The consequence: an SSI recipient in Virginia, for example, might have to meet additional income or resource tests that don’t apply in a 1634 state like California. If you live in a 209(b) state, contact your state Medicaid office to confirm your eligibility.
| State Category | How It Works |
|---|---|
| 1634 States (34 + DC) | Automatic Medicaid enrollment with SSI approval; no separate application |
| SSI Criteria States (8) | Same SSI rules apply, but a separate Medicaid application is required |
| 209(b) States (8) | State uses its own eligibility criteria; SSI approval does not guarantee Medicaid |
When SSI Recipients Become “Dual Eligible” for Both Programs
“Dual eligible” means a person qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time. About 12.8 million people in the United States hold this status. Over a third of them are under age 65. Many started on SSI, gained Medicare through one of the pathways above, and kept their Medicaid benefits.
When you are dual eligible, Medicare becomes your primary payer. That means hospitals and doctors bill Medicare first. Medicaid then acts as a secondary payer, picking up costs that Medicare does not cover — things like long-term care, dental, and vision. Medicaid can also pay your Medicare premiums and cost-sharing.
There are two types of dual eligibility. Full-benefit dual eligibles (about 8.5 million people in 2025) receive complete Medicaid coverage on top of Medicare. Partial-benefit dual eligibles (about 3.4 million) get help with Medicare premiums and sometimes cost-sharing, but not full Medicaid benefits.
Medicare Savings Programs That Cover Your Costs
For SSI recipients who gain Medicare, the monthly premiums and deductibles can eat into an already tight budget. The standard Part B premium alone is $202.90 per month in 2026. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) exist to help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay these costs through Medicaid.
QMB: The Most Complete Protection
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program covers your Part A premium, Part B premium, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Under QMB, providers cannot bill you for Medicare cost-sharing amounts. This is the most protective MSP available.
To qualify for QMB in 2025, a single person must have income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level and resources within the MSP resource standard. States can — and many do — set higher income and resource limits than the federal minimum.
SLMB: Part B Premium Relief
The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program covers only your Part B premium. Income must fall between 100% and 120% of the Federal Poverty Level. If you are an SSI recipient who just became eligible for Medicare and can’t afford the $202.90 monthly Part B premium, SLMB can eliminate that cost.
QI: Help for Slightly Higher Incomes
The Qualifying Individual (QI) program also pays your Part B premium. Income limits range from 121% to 135% of the Federal Poverty Level. Unlike QMB and SLMB, the QI program operates on a first-come, first-served basis with limited annual funding. You must reapply each year.
| MSP Program | What It Pays |
|---|---|
| QMB | Part A premium, Part B premium, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays |
| SLMB | Part B premium only |
| QI | Part B premium only (first-come funding, annual reapplication) |
| QDWI | Part A premium only (for disabled working individuals under 200% FPL) |
Three Real-World Scenarios for SSI Recipients and Medicare
Scenario 1: Marcus, Age 42, On SSI Only
Marcus has a severe spinal cord injury. He never worked long enough to earn the work credits needed for SSDI. He receives SSI only and lives in Texas, a 1634 state. He was automatically enrolled in Medicaid when his SSI was approved.
Marcus cannot get Medicare right now. He has no SSDI entitlement, he is under 65, and he does not have ESRD or ALS. His sole health coverage is Medicaid.
| Marcus’s Situation | Result |
|---|---|
| Receives SSI only | Medicaid coverage (automatic in Texas) |
| No SSDI benefits | No path to Medicare through disability |
| Under age 65 | No age-based Medicare eligibility |
| No ESRD or ALS | No special Medicare qualification |
| Best option now | Stay on Medicaid; apply for SSDI if work credits are earned |
What Marcus should know: If Marcus works part-time and earns enough work credits to qualify for SSDI in the future, he could receive concurrent SSI and SSDI. After 24 months of SSDI, he would gain Medicare. He should also explore Section 1619(b) protections to keep his Medicaid if he starts working.
Scenario 2: Diane, Age 58, Receiving Both SSI and SSDI
Diane worked for 15 years before becoming disabled due to multiple sclerosis. She qualified for SSDI, but her monthly SSDI payment was only $800 — low enough to also qualify for SSI. She has been receiving concurrent benefits for 3 years.
Because Diane has received SSDI for more than 24 months, she is now automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. She also keeps her Medicaid through SSI. Diane is dual eligible.
| Diane’s Situation | Result |
|---|---|
| Receives both SSI and SSDI | Dual program benefits |
| SSDI received for 24+ months | Automatic Medicare enrollment |
| Income remains low | Keeps Medicaid through SSI |
| Dual eligible status | Medicare is primary; Medicaid covers gaps |
| QMB eligible | Medicaid pays her Part B premium, deductibles, and copays |
What Diane should know: Diane should apply for the QMB program through her state Medicaid office. QMB will pay her Medicare Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026), all deductibles, and all copayments. She may also qualify for Extra Help with Part D prescription drug costs, which caps the annual out-of-pocket drug spending at $2,100 in 2026.
Scenario 3: Robert, Age 66, SSI Recipient Who Just Turned 65
Robert immigrated to the United States 20 years ago and worked various jobs for about 8 years. He has some work credits but not the full 40 needed for premium-free Part A. He has been receiving SSI since age 62 due to age-related disability. He lives in Illinois, a 209(b) state.
Robert turned 65 and became age-eligible for Medicare. Because he lacks 40 work credits, he must pay a premium for Part A. He must also enroll in Part B and pay that premium to keep Part A coverage.
| Robert’s Situation | Result |
|---|---|
| Turned 65 | Age-eligible for Medicare |
| Fewer than 40 work credits | Must pay Part A premium |
| Low income (SSI recipient) | Likely qualifies for QMB or SLMB |
| Lives in a 209(b) state | Medicaid eligibility not guaranteed; must meet Illinois-specific criteria |
| Best action | Apply for QMB to eliminate Medicare premiums and cost-sharing |
What Robert should know: Living in a 209(b) state means Robert’s Medicaid is not automatic with SSI. He needs to confirm with the Illinois Medicaid office that he meets their criteria. If he qualifies for QMB, Medicaid will pay his Part A premium, Part B premium, and all Medicare cost-sharing — saving him potentially thousands of dollars per year.
Section 1619: Keeping Medicaid When You Start Working
Many SSI recipients avoid working because they fear losing their Medicaid coverage. Section 1619 of the Social Security Act was created to remove that fear. It has two parts that protect your health coverage even when you earn money.
Section 1619(a): SSI Cash Benefits Continue
Under Section 1619(a), disabled SSI recipients who start working can keep receiving special SSI cash payments even when their earnings exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level. You must still meet all other SSI eligibility rules, including the disability requirement. Your Medicaid continues as long as you remain eligible for these special SSI payments.
Section 1619(b): Medicaid Without SSI Cash
Under Section 1619(b), if your earnings become too high for any SSI cash payment, you can still keep your Medicaid. You must meet four conditions: you were eligible for SSI cash for at least one month, you still meet the disability requirement, you still meet all non-disability SSI rules, and you need Medicaid to continue working.
Each state has a different 1619(b) income threshold based on the average cost of Medicaid services in that state. As long as your gross earnings stay below your state’s threshold, your Medicaid coverage is protected.
Why this matters for Medicare: If you are dual eligible (Medicare + Medicaid) and start working, Section 1619 protections help you keep the Medicaid side of your coverage. You do not lose Medicare because of earnings — Medicare does not have an income test. But losing Medicaid could mean losing help with premiums, cost-sharing, and services Medicare doesn’t cover.
What Medicare Costs Look Like in 2026
SSI recipients who gain Medicare face real costs unless they qualify for assistance programs. Here are the key 2026 numbers every SSI recipient should know.
| Medicare Cost | 2026 Amount |
|---|---|
| Part B Monthly Premium | $202.90 |
| Part B Annual Deductible | $283 |
| Part A Hospital Deductible | Per benefit period (varies) |
| Part D Out-of-Pocket Cap | $2,100 |
| Part A Premium (if buying in, 30-39 credits) | Reduced rate |
| Part A Premium (if buying in, fewer than 30 credits) | Full rate |
The Part B premium increased nearly 10% from 2025 to 2026. For an SSI recipient whose monthly SSI check may be under $1,000, a $202.90 premium wipes out a significant portion of income. This is exactly why applying for QMB, SLMB, or QI is critical for SSI recipients who become Medicare-eligible.
The Part D prescription drug out-of-pocket cap of $2,100 in 2026 is new protection. Once you hit that amount, you pay nothing more for covered drugs the rest of the year. Dual-eligible individuals often qualify for Extra Help (also called the Low-Income Subsidy), which reduces drug costs even further.
Mistakes That Cost SSI Recipients Their Coverage
Mistake 1: Assuming SSI Means You Have Medicare
SSI connects you to Medicaid, not Medicare. Showing up at a provider and claiming Medicare coverage when you only have Medicaid can result in denied claims and unexpected bills. Always check which program you are enrolled in by logging into your SSA account or calling the SSA directly.
Mistake 2: Missing Your Medicare Enrollment Window
SSI recipients who become eligible for Medicare at age 65 must enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period — the 7-month window around their 65th birthday. Missing this window means waiting until the General Enrollment Period (January through March) with coverage starting in July. You may also face a permanent late-enrollment penalty on your Part B premium — an extra 10% for each full 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn’t.
Mistake 3: Not Applying for Medicare Savings Programs
Many dual-eligible individuals don’t realize they qualify for QMB, SLMB, or QI. These programs can save you thousands per year by eliminating premiums and cost-sharing. According to research on MSP enrollment gaps, a significant number of eligible people never apply.
Mistake 4: Failing to Report Changes to Both Programs
SSI requires you to report income, resource, and living arrangement changes. Medicare Savings Programs have their own reporting requirements through your state Medicaid office. Failing to report changes to both programs can result in overpayments, loss of benefits, or unexpected repayment demands.
Mistake 5: Turning Down Part B Without Job-Based Insurance
Some SSI recipients decline Part B to avoid the premium, thinking Medicaid is enough. This is dangerous. If you later need Part B, you’ll face late-enrollment penalties and a coverage gap. The only safe reason to delay Part B is if you have insurance through your own or a spouse’s current employer.
Do’s and Don’ts for SSI Recipients Seeking Medicare
| Do ✅ | Don’t ❌ |
|---|---|
| Do check if you qualify for SSDI concurrently — it opens the door to Medicare after 24 months | Don’t assume SSI gives you Medicare; it gives you Medicaid |
| Do apply for QMB, SLMB, or QI the moment you become Medicare-eligible — they can eliminate premiums and copays | Don’t skip your Initial Enrollment Period at age 65 — late penalties are permanent |
| Do report all income and resource changes to both SSA and your state Medicaid office | Don’t ignore mail from SSA or CMS — missing deadlines can terminate coverage |
| Do use Section 1619(a) and (b) protections if you start working — they keep your Medicaid active | Don’t turn down Part B unless you have job-based insurance through a current employer |
| Do contact your state Medicaid office if you live in a 209(b) state to confirm your Medicaid status | Don’t assume your state automatically enrolls you — 8 states require a separate Medicaid application |
| Do explore Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) that coordinate your Medicare and Medicaid | Don’t pay Medicare cost-sharing bills if you are enrolled in QMB — providers cannot legally bill you |
Pros and Cons of Becoming Dual Eligible
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Broader coverage: Medicare covers hospital and outpatient care; Medicaid fills gaps like dental, vision, and long-term care | Added complexity: Managing two programs with different rules, paperwork, and reporting requirements is stressful |
| Lower costs: QMB pays all Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays for qualifying individuals | Premium burden: Without MSP enrollment, the $202.90/month Part B premium takes a large share of SSI income |
| Drug savings: Extra Help through Part D slashes prescription costs and caps spending at $2,100 in 2026 | Enrollment deadlines: Missing the Initial Enrollment Period leads to permanent late-enrollment penalties |
| More provider options: Medicare is accepted by far more doctors and hospitals nationwide than Medicaid alone | 209(b) state risk: SSI recipients in 8 states may lose Medicaid if they don’t meet state-specific criteria |
| D-SNP plans: Special Needs Plans coordinate both programs into one streamlined plan | Reporting burden: You must report changes to both SSA and your state Medicaid office or risk losing benefits |
How to Apply: The Step-by-Step Process
Applying for Medicare at Age 65
Step 1: If you are already receiving Social Security or SSI payments, check whether you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. People already receiving Social Security retirement or SSDI benefits are automatically enrolled in Parts A and B when they turn 65.
Step 2: If you are receiving SSI only and are not receiving Social Security retirement or SSDI, you must contact the Social Security Administration to file a Medicare application. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office. Do this during your Initial Enrollment Period — the 7-month window that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month.
Step 3: Decide whether to enroll in Part B. The 2026 Part B premium is $202.90/month. If you cannot afford this, enroll anyway and immediately apply for a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, or QI) through your state Medicaid office. These programs can eliminate your Part B premium.
Step 4: If you lack 40 work credits, you will need to pay a Part A premium. You must also be enrolled in Part B to keep premium Part A coverage. Apply for QMB to have Medicaid cover this cost.
Applying for Medicare Savings Programs
Step 1: Contact your state Medicaid office. MSPs are state-run programs, and application processes vary by state.
Step 2: Provide documentation of your income, resources, and Medicare enrollment status. Each MSP has different income and resource thresholds. Federal minimums for 2025 set QMB eligibility at 100% FPL, SLMB at 120% FPL, and QI at 135% FPL — but many states use higher limits.
Step 3: If approved for QMB, SLMB, or QI, you may also automatically qualify for Extra Help with Part D drug costs. This means lower copays at the pharmacy and no coverage gap.
Applying for Concurrent SSI and SSDI
If you believe you may qualify for both programs, you can apply for both at once through the Social Security Administration. SSA will determine your eligibility for each program separately. If approved for SSDI, your 24-month Medicare waiting period begins from your SSDI entitlement date.
Key Entities and How They Connect
Social Security Administration (SSA) determines eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and Medicare. They process applications, calculate benefits, and handle enrollment. SSA also transmits eligibility data to state Medicaid offices in 1634 states for automatic Medicaid enrollment.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency that oversees both Medicare and Medicaid. CMS sets the annual premium and deductible amounts for Medicare, issues guidance on MSP resource standards, and manages Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans.
State Medicaid Offices administer Medicaid on the ground. They process MSP applications, determine Medicaid eligibility in 209(b) states, and manage the day-to-day benefits for dual-eligible individuals. Each state has its own name for its Medicaid program — Medi-Cal in California, MassHealth in Massachusetts, SoonerCare in Oklahoma.
Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) process Medicare claims in each region. When you are dual eligible and a provider incorrectly bills you for cost-sharing that QMB should cover, the MAC is the entity that enforces the billing prohibition.
Relevant Legal Framework and Precedents
The Social Security Act, Title XVI (42 U.S.C. § 1381–1383f) establishes SSI. It defines eligibility based on age, blindness, or disability combined with limited income and resources. Title XVI does not create any Medicare entitlement — that authority falls under Title XVIII.
The Social Security Act, Title XVIII (42 U.S.C. § 1395 et seq.) creates Medicare. Section 226 specifies the 24-month SSDI waiting period for disability-based Medicare eligibility. Section 226A provides Medicare eligibility for ESRD patients.
Section 1634 of the Social Security Act allows states to enter agreements with SSA for automatic Medicaid enrollment of SSI recipients. Thirty-four states and DC have these agreements in place.
Section 209(b) of the Social Security Amendments of 1972 gives states the option to use their own Medicaid eligibility criteria instead of SSI criteria. Eight states currently exercise this option.
Sections 1902(a)(10)(E) and 1905(p) and (s) of the Social Security Act establish the Medicare Savings Programs — QMB, SLMB, QI, and QDWI — as mandatory Medicaid eligibility groups.
Research published in Health Affairs found that disabled workers waiting for Medicare during the 24-month SSDI period face 30% higher medical expenditures out of pocket compared to those who already have Medicare. This underscores the financial harm of the waiting period for SSI recipients who are also on SSDI.
FAQs
Does SSI automatically give you Medicare?
No. SSI connects you to Medicaid, not Medicare. Medicare requires SSDI eligibility, turning 65, or having ESRD/ALS.
Can you have SSI and Medicare at the same time?
Yes. If you qualify for Medicare through age, concurrent SSDI, or a qualifying condition, you keep SSI and gain Medicare coverage.
Does Medicaid pay your Medicare premiums?
Yes. Through Medicare Savings Programs like QMB, SLMB, and QI, Medicaid can pay Part A and Part B premiums for eligible individuals.
How long do you wait for Medicare after SSDI approval?
24 months. The waiting period begins from your SSDI entitlement date, not the date you received your first check.
Is there a Medicare waiting period for ALS?
No. People diagnosed with ALS receive Medicare immediately with no 24-month waiting period required.
Can SSI recipients get Medicare Part D?
Yes. SSI recipients who gain Medicare can enroll in Part D, and most qualify for Extra Help reducing prescription drug costs.
What happens to Medicaid when you get Medicare?
Nothing changes if you remain income-eligible. You become dual eligible, with Medicare as primary and Medicaid filling coverage gaps.
Do 209(b) states deny Medicaid to SSI recipients?
Sometimes. These eight states use their own eligibility criteria, which may be stricter than federal SSI standards for Medicaid.
Can you work and keep Medicaid on SSI?
Yes. Section 1619(a) and (b) of the Social Security Act protect Medicaid coverage for SSI recipients who earn income from work.
Does QMB cover all Medicare costs?
Yes. QMB pays Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Providers cannot bill QMB enrollees for cost-sharing.
Can you lose SSI if you get Medicare?
No. Medicare enrollment does not affect SSI eligibility. SSI is based on income and resources, not other insurance coverage.
Do you need 40 work credits for Medicare at 65?
No, but without 40 credits, you must pay a Part A premium. You still need to enroll in Part B and pay its premium.
Related reading
- Does Taxable Income Really Include Social Security? – Avoid This Mistake + FAQs
- Can Seniors Have Both Medicare and Medicaid? (w/Examples) + FAQs
- Can Seniors Have Both Humana and Medicaid? (w/Examples) + FAQs
- Do SSI Recipients Get Medicaid? (w/Examples) + FAQs
- Is SSI the Same as Social Security? (w/Examples) + FAQs
- Should I Apply for SSI? (w/Examples) + FAQs
- Should I Claim Social Security at 62 or 67? (w/Examples) + FAQs