People with disabilities

Waiting for a disability status decision and don’t have health insurance

If you’re waiting for a decision on your disability status, you have coverage options.

Apply for Medicaid or a private health plan through the Marketplace

Create an account or log in to complete an application. You’ll find out if you qualify for premium tax credits and lower costs on a private health plan based on your household size and income. You’ll also find out if you qualify for Medicaid coverage.

When you fill out your Marketplace application, answer “yes” when asked if you have a disability. We’ll forward your application to your state Medicaid agency. If you qualify, they’ll help you enroll.
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may qualify for premium tax credits and other savings on a Marketplace health plan .
You can also apply for Medicaid coverage directly through your state agency. Select your state from the menu on this Medicaid page for contact information.

It will take an unknown period of time to get a decision about your disability status, so it’s important not to assume that you’ll get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). When estimating your income on the Marketplace application, don’t include SSDI payments you think you may get.

If you get a positive SSDI disability decision

If you get a positive disability decision, you may have to wait 24 months before Medicare coverage starts. See your health coverage options for the period while you’re waiting for Medicare to start.

If you get a negative disability decision

If you get a negative disability decision, you can fill out a Marketplace application to apply for coverage. You’ll find out if you qualify for a private health plan with premium tax credits and lower costs based on your household size and income. When you apply, you’ll also find out if you qualify for Medicaid coverage.

When you fill out your Marketplace application, answer “yes” when asked if you have a disability. We’ll forward your application to your state Medicaid agency. If you qualify, they’ll help you enroll.
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may qualify for savings on a Marketplace health plan.
You can also apply for Medicaid coverage directly through your state agency. Select your state from the menu on this Medicaid page for contact information.