After 24 months of receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) (www.socialsecurity.gov) benefits, Medicare automatically enrolls you in Part A (hospital care), which is premium-free and Part B (doctor and outpatient care), which has a premium.

However, if you receive SSDI due to a specific disability, such as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS), you're automatically enrolled in Medicare without the 24-month waiting period.

You may also choose to enroll in Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), or Part D (prescription drug coverage) if you don't have ESRD.

If you have ESRD, you cannot enroll in Part C.

Updated 03/12/2013