Allow Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients access to Medicare without waiting 24 months.

Currently, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients under the age of 65 must receive benefits for 24 months (or reach age 65) before they become eligible to apply for Medicare. Although provisions of the Affordable Care Act may (if fully enacted) provide access to healthcare insurance during this waiting period for these individuals despite their pre-existing condition(s), SSDI recipients represent some of the "oldest and sickest" citizens who will often require a disproportionate share of healthcare resources as compared to the general population. By allowing them immediate eligibility for Medicare once their SSDI benefits begin, they would have affordable access to healthcare that is responsive to their needs without placing a burden on the general insurance population.