How to enroll in Medicare if you have ALS

If you have been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, you are eligible for automatic enrollment into Medicare the first month you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a monthly benefit provided through the Social Security Administration for people who are unable to work because of a severe medical impairment (disability). People who receive SSDI for 24 months are eligible for Medicare. or a railroad disability annuity check.

Once you are diagnosed with ALS, you should submit your completed application for SSDI to Social Security or your application for a railroad disability annuity to the Railroad Retirement Board Railroad Retirement Board The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is an independent agency in the executive branch of the federal government that administers comprehensive retirement, survivor, unemployment, and sickness benefits for U.S. railroad workers and their families. If you receive Railroad Retirement benefits or railroad disability annuity checks, the RRB processes your Medicare enrollment and collects your Medicare premiums. . You will be subject to a five-month waiting period before your disability benefits begin. Make sure to explicitly state that you have ALS on your disability benefits application. Once you are through your five-month waiting period, your Medicare will begin the same month as your disability benefits.

To apply for SSDI, contact your local Social Security office. To apply for a railroad disability annuity, call your local Railroad Retirement Board field office.