Yes, if you win disability benefits, you will automatically qualify for health insurance from the government. If you’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes, you may be eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. If you haven’t worked recently and have very little income, you may qualify for Medicaid right away.
What’s Medicare? How does it work?
Medicare is divided into several "parts" that each cover something different. Once approved, you’ll be automatically enrolled in some of those parts and can choose to add others, like prescription drug coverage. You can also get Medicare Advantage, which bundles different parts together. Most people have to wait 24 months from the time they are approved for disability before Medicare kicks in.
What’s Medicaid?
Medicaid is a free (or very low-cost) government health insurance program for people with limited income and resources. If you qualify for Medicaid because of a disability, coverage can begin the calendar month after approval. Medicaid generally covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and medical treatment, but exact benefits vary by state.