Yes, you can get Medicare if you receive SSI, but the path depends on why you receive it

If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may be covered by Medicare automatically, or you may need to take a separate step to enroll. The rule is straightforward: if you also receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare comes with it after 24 months. If you receive SSI only — because your income and assets are too low to may have access to for SSDI — you do not automatically get Medicare, but you can enroll in it yourself.

The confusion happens because SSI and SSDI sound similar but work differently. SSDI is based on your work history or your parent's work history. SSI is based on need — low income and few assets. Some people receive both at the same time. Knowing which one you get tells you whether Medicare is already yours or whether you need to sign up.

Key Takeaways

  • If you receive SSDI, Medicare starts automatically 24 months after your SSDI began, with no action needed on your part.
  • If you receive SSI only, you are not automatically enrolled in Medicare but can enroll yourself at any time.
  • Some people receive both SSI and SSDI at the same time; in that case, the 24-month SSDI rule applies.
  • You can check your Social Security statement online or call Social Security to confirm whether you receive SSDI, SSI, or both.
  • If you miss the initial enrollment window for Medicare, you may pay a higher premium for the rest of your life, so enroll as soon as you are able.

How the 24-month rule works if you get SSDI

When you are approved for SSDI, Social Security counts forward 24 months from the date your benefits began. At the end of that 24 months, Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) start automatically. You do not have to ask for it, fill out a form, or call anyone. It straightforward begins.

The 24-month waiting period exists because SSDI is designed to replace lost wages, and the government pairs it with Medicare to may support people with disabilities have health coverage. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail before your coverage starts. If you do not receive it within a few weeks of your 24-month mark, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your coverage is active.

Mark your calendar with the date your SSDI began, add 24 months, and note that date. If you are unsure when your SSDI started, log into your Social Security account at ssa.gov or call the number above and ask. They will tell you the exact date and when Medicare will begin.

What to do if you receive SSI only

If you receive SSI but not SSDI — meaning you do not have enough work history to may have access to for disability benefits — you are not automatically enrolled in Medicare. However, you can enroll yourself at any time. There is no waiting period and no requirement to have worked.

To enroll, you can visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or visit your local Social Security office in person. Have your Social Security number ready. You will choose between Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). Most people on SSI choose Original Medicare because it works with more doctors and hospitals.

Enrollment takes about two weeks. Once you are enrolled, your Medicare card will arrive by mail. There is no cost for Part A (hospital insurance). Part B (medical insurance) has a monthly premium that is usually deducted from your SSI check, so you will see your SSI payment go down slightly once Medicare starts.

If you receive both SSI and SSDI

Some people receive both SSI and SSDI at the same time. This happens when someone qualifies for SSDI based on their own work history or a parent's work history, but the SSDI payment is very low — so low that they also may have access to for SSI to bring their total income up to the federal minimum. In this case, the SSDI rule applies: Medicare begins automatically 24 months after the SSDI started.

You can confirm whether you receive both by logging into your Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213. Your statement will show separate line items for SSDI and SSI if you receive both. If you receive both, you do not need to enroll in Medicare yourself — it will start automatically.

What happens if you miss the initial enrollment window

If you are may be able to access for Medicare and do not enroll when you first become may be able to access, you can still enroll later, but you may face a permanent penalty. Late enrollment penalties add a percentage to your Part B premium for as long as you have Medicare. The penalty is 10 percent for each full 12-month period you were may be able to access but not enrolled.

For example, if you were may be able to access for Medicare but did not enroll for three years, your Part B premium would be 30 percent higher than the standard rate, and that increase stays with you for life. The only way to avoid this penalty is to enroll as soon as you become may be able to access. If you are already past the initial window, enroll now to stop the penalty from growing larger.

How to check your Social Security statement

The fastest way to find out whether you receive SSDI, SSI, or both is to check your Social Security statement online. Go to ssa.gov, click "Create an account" or "Sign in", and log in with your username and password. Your statement will show your benefit type and the amount you receive each month.

If you do not have an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to tell you your benefit type. Have your Social Security number ready. The wait time is usually shorter early in the morning or on weekday afternoons. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address at ssa.gov/locator.

Medicare costs for SSI and SSDI recipients

Part A (hospital insurance) is free for everyone who qualifies for Medicare through SSDI or SSI. Part B (medical insurance) has a monthly premium. For 2024, the standard Part B premium is $164.90 per month, but the amount changes each year. If you receive SSI, the premium is deducted from your SSI payment. If you receive SSDI, the premium is deducted from your SSDI payment.

You will also pay a deductible when you use hospital or doctor services, and you may pay copayments or coinsurance for certain services. If your income is very low, you may be able to get help paying these costs through a program called Medicaid or through a Medicare Savings Program. Ask your local Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE to learn whether you may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Medicare if I only receive SSI and have never worked?

Yes. You can enroll in Medicare at any time, regardless of your work history. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov to start the process. There is no waiting period for SSI recipients who want to enroll in Medicare on their own.

What if I receive SSDI but it has not been 24 months yet?

You cannot enroll in Medicare until the 24 months have passed. Once the 24 months are up, Medicare starts automatically. If you need health coverage before then, ask your doctor's office or local health department about low-cost or free clinics in your area, or look into Medicaid, which may cover you while you wait.

Will my SSI or SSDI payment go down when I get Medicare?

Your SSI or SSDI payment itself will not go down. However, the Part B premium (usually around $165 per month) will be deducted from your payment, so the amount you receive in your bank account will be lower. Part A is free, so it does not reduce your payment.

What if I am not sure whether I have SSDI or SSI?

Log into your Social Security account at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Your statement will clearly show which type of benefit you receive and the monthly amount. If you receive both, both will be listed separately.

Can I enroll in Medicare before my SSDI 24 months are up?

No. If you receive SSDI, you must wait for the 24-month period to end before Medicare begins. You cannot enroll early, even if you want to. If you need coverage sooner, explore Medicaid or community health centers.