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Debra, You've gotten some good advice about SSDI and Medicare, especially if you go to Greg's web site. Another excellent source of info. on Medicare is the Seniors Health Information Program, which most state governments provide under a federal grant. North Carolina has a really good SHIIP program, and its web site is www.ncshiip.com (the two "i's" are not a typo). It has Medicare information for both the elderly and disabled. One reason for enrolling in SSDI (assuming one is eligible) is to keep your regular social security benefit amount after you turn 65. If you have been neither gainfully employed nor on SSDI for a certain period immediately prior to your 65th birthday, then your post-65 social security income will be calculated on the assumption that you were not working and contributing to the system. However, when somebody goes on SSDI, your post-65 benefits will be based on the earnings you had immediately prior to going on SSDI. Another reason for enrolling in SSDI is that you can't lose by going on Medicare. If you have other coverage, you can keep it (I think you're even required to keep it if you're eligible for it and the benefits are as good or better than Medicare's). Also, you can delay you're enrollment period for Medicare Part B and Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) coverage if you're covered by another health plan. The most aggravating thing about applying for SSDI is that most initial claims applications are routinely denied regardless of how qualified the applicants are. Assuming you appeal the decision, it is very difficult to represent yourself at the appeals hearing, which is almost like going to Court. You'll find scores of attorneys in the yellow pages who do nothing but represent SSDI applicants, and they usually win their cases (strange how those who are first to review SSDI applications are wrong so often, isn't it). Some (perhaps most) of these attorneys will not even talk to you until you're initial claim application has been denied. You're best hope is to study the rules thoroughly (consider yourself prepared when you find the loophole for certain PD patients) and state clearly on the application how your condition meets the coverage criteria. Although you submit the completed (and I do mean completed) application to your local Social Security office, it is immediately routed to a state government agency for initial review. Find out which state agency conducts disability determinations and follow up with them vigorously. Do not let a week pass without talking with the individual who is handling your claim. Be courteous, of course, but firm. Also, respond to their requests for further information promptly. In my case, they requested additional information from a MD who was not even treating me for PD, but I had the info. to them the next day. Some people would rather hire a lawyer than put up with all the frustration. I'm just cheap. Good luck! Rees Jenkins ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn