Individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are eligible to receive disability benefits. This includes Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Receiving SSDI makes you eligible for Medicare at a younger age than you typically need to be.

People with ALS are eligible for Medicare Part A in the first month they begin receiving SSDI.

Typically, you have to be 65 years old before you are eligible for Medicare. But if you have ALS, you are eligible to start using Medicare before you turn 65 years old.

Also, people with a disability or medical condition have a waiting period before they can begin using Medicare. However, those with ALS forgo this waiting period.

Original Medicare has two parts:

  • Part A: This covers inpatient hospital care and services, as well as home healthcare, hospice care, and skilled nursing care.
  • Part B: This covers outpatient care and services, such as doctor appointments, durable medical equipment, physical therapy, and home healthcare.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare that private insurance companies provide. Medicare Advantage covers the same services and benefits as Original Medicare. It also generally offers other benefits as well, such as dental, vision, and hearing.

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. If you have Original Medicare, you can purchase a Part D plan through a private insurance company. Medicare Advantage plans typically include prescription drug coverage (Part D).

Learn more about the parts of Medicare.