How to Get Medicaid When You're Receiving SSDI in Maryland

You become Medicaid-may be able to access automatically in Maryland once you receive SSDI

Maryland has what's called a "Section 1619(b) state" rule: if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or SSDI, you are automatically covered by Medicaid without having to file a separate process. You do not need to prove income, assets, or disability again. The Social Security Administration reports your SSDI status to the Maryland Department of Health, and Medicaid coverage begins the same month your SSDI payments start.

This automatic enrollment is one of the largest advantages of living in Maryland as an SSDI recipient. Many other states require you to explore for Medicaid separately, even after you may have access to for SSDI. Maryland skips that step entirely. Your coverage is active as long as your SSDI continues.

Key Takeaways

Maryland automatically enrolls you in Medicaid the month your SSDI begins; you do not file a separate Medicaid process.
Your Medicaid card arrives by mail within two to four weeks of your SSDI approval; contact the Maryland Department of Health if it does not arrive.
You must report changes in living situation, income, or work status to Maryland within ten days, or your coverage may be suspended.
If you work and earn above the SSDI substantial gainful activity limit, you can keep Medicaid for up to 93 months under the Section 1619(b) work incentive.

When your Medicaid card arrives and what to do if it doesn't

Once the Social Security Administration approves your SSDI claim, SSA sends your information to the Maryland Department of Health. The state then mails your Medicaid card to the address on file with Social Security. This usually takes two to four weeks after your SSDI approval letter arrives.

If you do not receive your card within four weeks of your SSDI approval, contact the Maryland Department of Health directly at 1-800-832-5525. Have your Social Security number ready. The department can verify whether the card was mailed and can reissue it if needed. You can also check your Medicaid status online through the Maryland Health Care Access portal, which shows your coverage dates and any active claims.

Do not wait to use your coverage. Even if your physical card has not arrived, your Medicaid is active. Providers can verify your coverage by your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID to your first appointment, and tell the provider you are waiting for your Medicaid card in the mail.

What happens if you work while on SSDI

Maryland's Section 1619(b) work incentive lets you keep Medicaid even if your work earnings cause your SSDI payments to stop. This is critical: your medical coverage does not end just because you earned too much money.

Here is how it works. If you work and earn above the SSDI substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit—currently $1,550 per month in 2024, though this amount changes yearly—your SSDI cash payment stops. But Maryland will continue your Medicaid for up to 93 months (about seven and a half years) as long as you report your work and earnings to Social Security on time. After 93 months, you may be able to keep Medicaid under other work incentives, such as the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), but you must have a plan in place before the 93 months end.

You must report your work and earnings to Social Security every month. Call the Social Security work incentives hotline at 1-866-YOUR-SSA (1-866-968-7772) or tell your local Social Security office. If you do not report, Social Security may stop your Medicaid without warning.

Reporting changes that affect your coverage

Maryland requires you to report certain changes within ten days. If you do not report, your Medicaid can be suspended or terminated, even though you still receive SSDI.

Report these changes to the Maryland Department of Health:

A change in your mailing address or phone number
A change in your living situation (for example, moving in with family or into a group home)
Any work or self-employment income
A change in your marital status
The birth or adoption of a child
A household member moving in or out

You can report changes online through the Maryland Health Care Access portal, by phone at 1-800-832-5525, or by mail to the Maryland Department of Health. Keep a record of when you reported the change and to whom you spoke. If your coverage is suspended by mistake, this record helps you get it restored quickly.

Medicaid coverage details in Maryland for SSDI recipients

Maryland Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency care, prescription drugs, mental health and substance use treatment, dental care (limited), vision care (limited), and medical equipment and supplies. There are no copayments for most services, though some programs charge small copays for non-emergency emergency room visits or certain prescriptions.

You do not have to choose a managed care plan in Maryland if you receive SSDI. You are covered under the fee-for-service program, which means you can see any provider who accepts Medicaid. You do not need a referral to see a specialist. If you prefer a managed care plan for coordinated care, you can enroll in one, but it is not required.

Your coverage is continuous as long as you receive SSDI and report required changes. Unlike some Medicaid programs, there is no annual renewal process for SSDI recipients in Maryland. Your coverage renews automatically each year.

What to do if your Medicaid is suspended or terminated

If your Medicaid stops unexpectedly, contact the Maryland Department of Health when ready. Ask why your coverage was terminated. Common reasons include a missed report of a change, an address mismatch, or a processing error.

You have the right to a hearing if you disagree with the termination. Request a hearing within ten days of the termination notice. The Maryland Department of Health will send you a notice explaining how to request a hearing. During the hearing, you can present evidence that you still meet the requirements for coverage—for example, proof that you are still receiving SSDI or proof that you reported a change on time.

While you wait for a hearing, ask the department whether your coverage can be restored pending the outcome. Many terminations are reversed once the department reviews your file, especially if the reason was a reporting delay or an address issue.

Medicare and Medicaid together when you have SSDI

If you receive SSDI, you become may be able to access for Medicare automatically after 24 months of SSDI payments. Once Medicare starts, you have both Medicare and Medicaid—a situation called "dual may be able to access." In Maryland, Medicaid becomes your secondary payer, covering costs that Medicare does not, such as copayments, coinsurance, and some services Medicare does not cover.

You do not need to do anything to coordinate the two programs. When you see a provider, tell them you have both Medicare and Medicaid. The provider bills Medicare first, then sends the remaining balance to Medicaid. This coordination means you pay very little out of pocket for covered services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to do anything to get Medicaid once I'm approved for SSDI?

No. Maryland automatically enrolls you. You will receive a Medicaid card in the mail within two to four weeks. If it does not arrive, call the Maryland Department of Health at 1-800-832-5525 to request a replacement.

What if I move to another state while on SSDI?

Your SSDI continues, but your Medicaid coverage ends when you leave Maryland. You must explore for Medicaid in your new state. Some states have automatic enrollment like Maryland; others require a separate process. Contact your new state's Medicaid office as soon as you move to avoid a gap in coverage.

Can I lose Medicaid if I don't report changes?

Yes. Maryland requires you to report changes within ten days. If you do not report, your coverage can be suspended or terminated. Always report changes to the Maryland Department of Health, even if they seem minor.

What if my SSDI payment is suspended because of work earnings?

Your Medicaid continues under Section 1619(b) for up to 93 months, as long as you report your work and earnings to Social Security every month. After 93 months, you may keep Medicaid under other work incentives if you have a plan in place.

How do I know if my Medicaid is active?

Check the Maryland Health Care Access portal online, or call the Maryland Department of Health at 1-800-832-5525 with your Social Security number. Providers can also verify your coverage by your Social Security number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.