@Denco, I have no idea myself but the answer that comes to mind is to deter many more people from filing who may not really need to do so. What is crazy though is when the medical team and employers are in agreement, it does seem there would be a way around it for some (such as a chronic illness). Strange system...

@Solivita, it's very frustrating how the government has disability and Medicare set up ... you can begin doing your research now ... the insurance companies handling the Advantage Plans aren't willing easily to offer information until you are right on the cusp of beginning Medicare ...

go online, and look for Advantage Plans available in your area

so the way I did it was with a little fib ... I began by saying I was eligible withing 90 days of my calling ... then the companies are willing to listen

I called the folks ... talked about what I'm looking for ... then I would ask them to send me whatever information they could so that I could begin my due diligence in making my decision

I told myself it was a fib because I know I'm going to be eligible in just a short period ... but they wouldn't give me info with the truth ... it's like they want you inundated with info at the last second so you just choose ... malarky ... I want to be sure

I also went online to www.medicare.gov ... there you are able to access the booklet (140 pages) MEDICARE & YOU ... more information to read to understand more ... you normally have it sent to you 60 days prior to your beginning ... but if you call and let them know you are just trying to learn and you do better having it in book form to highlight, I got several folks willing to send it now.

let me know if I've confused you in any way.

I really want to help since the process is so darn difficult!

♥♥♥

I had no trouble. I got my Medicare card without any problems but I am Blessed. My former employer has kept me on the employment benefits under retired personnel once the Medicare came. What I don't understand is why, if your doctor feels your are disabled, your employer agrees and you qualify for Social Security, then would someone explain to me the purpose of the two year wait for +Medicare? Even if you can afford to keep your employment benefit for the 18 months your are eligible, and most people I knwo who lose their salary cannot afford it, why does anyone think you should go 2 years without benefits? Two years all agree you have an illness, and two years without an income except maybe social security, but that isn't enough to pay rent in some areas never mind health insurance. I know some people are eligible for Medicaid but the government isn't saving money by doing this. I know there must be some reason for withholding Medicare for two years, can anyone explain it to me? Thanks.

you need to talk to the person handle your case to get it going asap. you need medicare to help out. I work at UT hospital here in Knoxville tn. It will help you get items you need and extra help. I don't know what you can get in your area but I hope it is all you need.

I was dx in 1986 at age 38. I am now 65. My eyes are terrible and my typing is horrible since my brain and fingers don't jive! lol, so forgive my spelling. I know how, just can't say or type it correctly.

It took me almost 4 years to get approved for SSD. I was able to be picked up on hubby's Union insurance. Let me make a couple of sttments here. Many confuse FEDERAL Medicare (from Soc Sec) and Medicade (from the STATE). Ideally one can get Medicade until Medicare kicks in...but not always due to income and poverty level guidelines. Now, I got ONE letter from SSA teling me the Dis had been reviewed and renewed. Never did I get another letter or review that I know of. As for Medicare, it is $110 a month, not $150. Maybe part D costs something, not sure. I have Humana Medicare Preferred , but NOT Humana Gold. Gold is an HMO and fewer docs take it, and one must stay in the network for the 'cut rates" on medical costs. You us your Humana card ONLY, they file and get reimbursed from Medicare. Yes it is a Medicare Advantage Plan. I am quite impresed with this Humana plan. MUCH better than what I had before from State Retirement...this year they went to Humana. Costs me $195 a month and covers Rx's at $10, 2$0 & $55. Humana Gold I think makes you pay like $125 a day for first 7 days overnight in the hosp, and they pay everything else. As far as working and being on SSD....I got a brocure in the mail telling about how to apply and where. It IS a SS program, and yu must go thru THEM in order to work. They help you find work...probably thru your State Unemployment Office where jobs are posted and have disabled positions also....just muy guess on that location, but you do have to goto work under their program. Never been on Avonex so not sure how that works, but would like to know mor. I was on Betaseron bac when it FIRST came out back in the 1980's and it was terrible getting it paid for by Blue Cross I ha at the time. Then I went on Copaxone andit was more stress than the MS tself, so I gave up and have not ben on any of what we called the ABC drugs since then. Thinking about Avonex now. OK, that's all folks! 1985 to now is a long time! SS and AMedicare have been GOOD to me all these years! Let's pray Obamacare in January 2014 does NOT take away any of our monthly check and not take away any MORE of our Medicare benefits. It is going to be bad. Write to your senators and Reps in DC and tell them to REPEAL Obamacare! If not, we're sunk and a lot will die because of withholding treatment because it 'costs to much" for our age! Better PRAY and write to our Congressmen about ObamaCare.