Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare: The 24-Month Waiting Period for SSDI Beneficiaries Under Age 65

Publication Date: July 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Health

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Abstract:

Members of Congress frequently are asked to support legislation to alter or eliminate the required 24-month waiting period before a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiary under 65 years of age may receive Medicare benefits. This paper explains the required 24-month waiting period and its legislative history. The report also provides information on other programs that may provide access to health insurance during the required waiting period. It also briefly describes legislation introduced in the 109th Congress (H.R. 2343, H.R. 2680, H.R. 2869, and S. 1217). This report will be updated to reflect legislative activity.