Certain disabled children now eligible for Medicare
Posted on:8/20/2009
Written By: Chris Robideaux
| We usually think of age 65 as the point Medicare enters the picture, though that picture is now changing to include children. Indeed, there are 38 million people who have Medicare because they are age 65 or older. But there are an additional 7 million adults who qualify for Medicare through they are not yet 65. |
We usually think of age 65 as the point Medicare enters the picture, though that picture is now changing to include children. Indeed, there are 38 million people who have Medicare because they are age 65 or older. But there are an additional 7 million adults who qualify for Medicare through they are not yet 65. These people are disabled. According to Social Security rules, they have "a physical or mental impairment which is expected to keep them from working for a year or more or is expected to result in death." As you can see, the Social Security definition of a disability is related to a person's inability to work. But this article is about children, who obviously are not expected to work. At least in this country. Although it's very unusual for a child to be covered by Medicare, it does occur.
Under Medicare rules, there are two other groups of people who are eligible for Medicare because of a specific medical diagnosis: people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, and people with end stage renal disease (ESRD), also known as kidney failure. Children with ESRD can qualify for Medicare under their parent's Social Security work record.
The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA or Public Law 111-3) reauthorized the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIPRA finances CHIP through FY 2013. It will preserve coverage for the millions of children who rely on CHIP today and provides the resources for States to reach millions of additional uninsured children. This legislation will help ensure the health and well-being of our nation's children.
Social Security Lawyers is your connection if you have questions about, or are looking for representation for your Social Security disability benefits case. Don't hesitate to call upon us for a free consultation.