Another common question concerning social security and disability is whether or not it pays for medical coverage and long-term care costs. The short answer to this question is that yes, SSI will cover long-term care costs. SSI is jointly funded by the federal government and each state and is designed to be a level program. There are no premium payments associated with either Medicaid or private health insurance plans. In general terms, the cost of care is limited to the rate of inflation plus a reasonable percentage of a person’s income. The Social Security Administration has detailed the types of services that are covered under its various programs, and these include home health care, medical and dental care, nursing home care, and Medicaid programs.
For the most part, once a person reaches the limit for SSI benefits, he or she will no longer be able to qualify for disability benefits. There are, however, a few exceptions to this rule. SSI will pay benefits for certain long-term, major medical conditions that can last for several months or years if the person suffers from these conditions for that amount of time. Also, a person who was injured on the job can claim disability benefits for up to a year after the injury, as long as the person can meet the requirements.
When considering your long-term care options, it is best to do a bit of research to find out which option is best for you. The SSI and disability benefits that you receive may seem very similar, but there are significant differences between the two. SSD benefits are designed to help you survive in the event of a long-term illness or disability, and SSI benefits are intended to provide you with a means of earning an income during the later years of your life. Understanding the difference between the two programs is key to enjoying the best long-term care benefits.