New York Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Practice Exam

How long after being entitled to disability benefits will an individual be eligible to receive Medicare benefits?

1. 1 year

2. 2 years

3. 3 years

4. 5 years

The correct answer is: 2 years

When an individual becomes entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, there is a waiting period before they become eligible for Medicare benefits. This waiting period is specifically two years. The individual must receive disability benefits for 24 months, after which they can apply for and receive Medicare coverage. This policy is designed to ensure that individuals have a substantial period during which they are deemed disabled before being granted access to Medicare, reflecting the governmental approach to managing healthcare resources for those with long-term disabilities. After the two-year qualifying period, individuals with disabilities can access Medicare, providing them with critical healthcare services needed to manage their health conditions.