If you only get SSDI and don't get SSI, it is still possible that you will get a very limited Medicaid benefit, in that Medicaid may pay for your part B premium. (That could vary by state. I don't know.) In my state, I will not have to pay the part B premium. My state Medicaid system will pay that for me. It is the only thing that Medicaid will do for me. My s/o has the same benefit. My SSDI check is considered too big for me to qualify for any other Medicaid benefits, which is too bad for me.

I'm wondering if that means that I don't get any optical or dental coverage. I'm wondering if Medicaid recipients do get those items covered. ??

Medicaid in each state is jointly funded by the Federal govt and by the individual state government, with the state having a lot of control over how people become eligible for coverage under Medicaid.

Your SSI check comes from funds soley provided by the Federal government. However, many states chose to supplement recipients of SSI with an addition amount that comes from the states coffers. I guess I'm kind of wrong on this. I am looking at Washington State. It looks like they may put their extra benefit in the same check as the SSI. This confuses me. Here is a paste from the State of Washington web page.

1. SSI Background

a. SSI provides federal cash benefits for basic needs to individuals, couples, and children who meet the federal disability criteria as aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources.

2. SSP Background

a. When federal SSI began, the SSI payment was less than the state disability payment. The state supplemented the SSI payment to make up the difference. We call these SSI clients Mandatory Income Level (MIL) SSI clients.

b. The state must guarantee that these SSI recipients never receive less than they received from the state in December 1973.

Another thing confuses me. Obamacare will expand eligibility for Medicaid coverage. Given their new income guidelines, I think I might end up qualifying for it. I guess I'll have to check at Income Support and hope they know what they are doing. I kind of figure they do.