Transitioning to Medicare before age sixty-five.

Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Social Insurance
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries face a 24-month waiting period before qualifying for Medicare.
• This waiting period can lead to significant gaps in health insurance coverage for individuals with severe disabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine Medicare enrollment patterns before age 65 among individuals eligible for SSDI.
• To assess the extent of uninsurance during the Medicare waiting period.
• To identify disparities in Medicare coverage and reliance among this population.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal analysis of a national sample of individuals aged 55-64.
• Tracking Medicare enrollment status prior to age 65.

Main Results:

• Approximately one in six individuals were covered by Medicare before reaching age 65.
• A quarter of new Medicare enrollees experienced uninsurance during the mandatory waiting period.
• Significant disparities were observed in Medicare reliance and coverage during the waiting period.

Conclusions:

• The 24-month Medicare waiting period for SSDI recipients results in substantial uninsurance.
• Proposed legislative changes to eliminate this waiting period could enhance health security for disabled workers.
• Addressing coverage gaps during the waiting period is crucial for vulnerable populations.