Question 1

Are Medicare plans available for people with disabilities under 65?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, you automatically qualify for Medicare regardless of age. You can enroll in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement plans with the same benefits as seniors over 65.

Question 2

Does Medicare cover assistive technology and mobility equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME) including wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, and speech-generating devices when medically necessary. Medicare Advantage plans often provide additional coverage for hearing aids, vision aids, and other assistive devices.

Question 3

Can I get Medicare plan information in Braille or large print?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. All Medicare plan materials are available in alternative formats including Braille, large print (18pt+), audio recordings, and accessible digital formats. Call 331-343-2584 to request materials in your preferred format.

Question 4

Is your website compatible with screen readers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our website is WCAG 2.1 AA compliant and fully tested with NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, and TalkBack screen readers. All content includes proper ARIA labels, semantic HTML, and keyboard navigation support.

Question 5

Do you offer TTY services for deaf or hard of hearing individuals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TTY users can call 711 (Telecommunications Relay Service) to reach our licensed Medicare specialists. We also offer video relay services and text-based communication options for enrollment assistance.

Question 6

Can someone help me enroll at home if I have mobility limitations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our licensed agents provide free in-home consultations throughout our service area. We can bring plan materials, compare options, and complete enrollment paperwork at your home. Schedule by calling 331-343-2584.

Question 7

What is the Medicare disability waiting period?

Accepted Answer

You must receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for 24 consecutive months before Medicare coverage begins. However, there is no waiting period for individuals diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

Question 8

Are Medicare Advantage plans accessible for wheelchair users?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medicare Advantage plans must provide equal access to all covered services. Many plans include additional wheelchair-accessible transportation to medical appointments, accessible fitness centers, and specialized care coordination for members with mobility limitations.

Question 9

Can my caregiver help me choose a Medicare plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With your written HIPAA authorization, our agents can work directly with your caregiver, family member, or legal representative to discuss plan options and complete enrollment. We provide HIPAA-compliant authorization forms in multiple formats.

Question 10

Do Medicare plans cover speech therapy and cognitive rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation services when prescribed by a doctor. Medicare Advantage plans often provide enhanced coverage with lower copays and additional therapy sessions.

Question 11

How do I report accessibility barriers with a Medicare plan?

Accepted Answer

You can file a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights if a Medicare plan denies accessible services or accommodations. We can help you navigate this process and connect with disability advocacy resources.

Question 12

Are prescription drug plans accessible for people with visual impairments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medicare Part D prescription drug plans must provide accessible labeling including large print labels, Braille labels, and non-visual electronic access to prescription information. Pharmacies must also offer accessible prescription management systems.

Question 13

Can I enroll in Medicare if I receive SSI instead of SSDI?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to disability, you may qualify for Medicare if you also meet disability requirements. Most SSI recipients are automatically enrolled in Medicaid, which can work alongside Medicare (dual-eligible coverage).

Question 14

Do Medicare plans cover home health services for disabled beneficiaries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medicare Part A and Part B cover medically necessary home health services including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services when you are homebound.

Question 15

Are there Medicare plans with enhanced benefits for specific disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are designed for beneficiaries with specific chronic conditions or disabilities. Dual-eligible SNPs (D-SNPs) coordinate Medicare and Medicaid benefits, often covering additional services like transportation, meal delivery, and personal care.

Question 16

Can I get interpreter services for Medicare enrollment if I am deaf or hard of hearing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide free American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, CART (real-time captioning), and video remote interpreting services for all enrollment consultations and plan discussions. Schedule interpreter services by calling 331-343-2584 or TTY 711.

Question 17

What happens if I lose my disability status - do I lose Medicare?

Accepted Answer

If Social Security determines you are no longer disabled, your Medicare coverage typically continues for at least 93 months after the trial work period. If you are still disabled but return to work, Medicare can continue with premium assistance programs.

Question 18

Are there Medicare cost assistance programs for people with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) and Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) can pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and prescription drug costs for qualifying individuals. You may qualify based on income up to 150% of the federal poverty level.

Question 19

Do Medicare Advantage plans cover specialized disability equipment not covered by Original Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many Medicare Advantage plans include supplemental benefits covering items like hearing aids, over-the-counter health products, fitness equipment, bathroom safety devices, and assistive technology beyond standard Medicare DME coverage.

Question 20

Can I switch Medicare plans if my disability needs change?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can change Medicare Advantage or Part D plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31). Special Enrollment Periods may apply if you move or lose other coverage.

Feature	Original Medicare	Medicare Advantage	Medicare Supplement
Accessibility Services	Must request accommodations from each provider	Coordinated accessibility support through plan	Same as Original Medicare + fills coverage gaps
DME Coverage (Wheelchairs, Walkers)	Part B: 80% after deductible	Often lower copays ($0-$50 per item)	Covers Part B 20% coinsurance
Hearing Aids	Not covered	Many plans include $500-$3,000 allowance	Not covered (follows Original Medicare)
Vision Coverage	Only covers medical eye conditions	Includes routine eye exams + glasses allowance	Not covered (follows Original Medicare)
Transportation to Appointments	Not covered	Many plans include 12-60 one-way trips/year	Not covered
In-Home Support Services	Limited home health only	May include personal care, meal delivery, homemaker services	Not covered
Maximum Out-of-Pocket	No limit (catastrophic risk)	Capped at $8,850/year (2025)	Low out-of-pocket (varies by plan)
Prescription Drug Coverage	Must buy separate Part D	Included in most plans	Must buy separate Part D

Accessible Medicare & Health Insurance Services

Our Accessibility Commitment

Accessibility Features

Medicare Coverage by Disability Type

Medicare for Visual Impairments & Blindness

Medicare for Hearing Impairments & Deafness

Medicare for Mobility Impairments & Physical Disabilities

Medicare for Cognitive Disabilities & Developmental Disabilities

Supported Assistive Technologies

NVDA Screen Reader

JAWS Screen Reader

VoiceOver (Mac/iOS)

TalkBack (Android)

Dragon NaturallySpeaking

ZoomText Screen Magnifier

Specialized Accessibility Services

Telephone Consultation

In-Home Visits

Document Translation

Caregiver Support

Frequently Asked Questions About Accessible Medicare

Medicare for People with Disabilities Under 65

Four Paths to Medicare Before Age 65

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

SSDI to Medicare: Typical Enrollment Timeline

1. Apply for SSDI

2. Begin SSDI benefits

3. Medicare notification

4. Medicare starts

5. Choose plans

Accessible Medicare Plan Comparison

Medicare Accessibility Resources

Medicare.gov Accessibility

State Health Insurance Programs

Disability Rights

Free Accessible Medicare Resources

Complete Disability Medicare Guide 2025

Medicare Plan Accessibility Checklist

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