I was diagnosed with Stills Disease. My doctor told me to check into getting medicare medicaid and social..?

Question

I am 19 years old and have an auto immune system disease. My doctor told me to check into medicare, medicaid and social security. How do I know if I am eligible for these things and how do I go about getting them.

Answer 1

Ask your doctor for a referral to a social worker who can help to navigate getting these things.

Another place that might be able to help put you in touch with someone would be your local county health department.

Answer 2

It depends. What is your income and do you have any children? Medicaid is mostly based on income and as a 19-year-old, you are no longer considered a child so the income limit for you would be quite low. In my state, you would not be eligible if you made more than $500 (assuming you have no children.) Also if you live with your parents, their income would count as well.

Medicare is based on age and/or disability. You generally have to be over 65 for that or disabled or have renal failure. Social security is also based on disability. That's the quick and dirty explanation but I would recommend going to your local department of social services and seeing what benefits you are eligible for. Also, each state runs a website on Medicaid that should tell you detailed eligibility information.