Both my hubby and my brother started getting their checks the month after they were approved. Hubby got his backpay in two checks one he got about 3 weeks after being approved the other was about a month after that. My brother got his all in one check about 2-3 weeks after being approved.

As far as your question about medicaid/medicare we were told they aren't eligible for medicare because they get SSI not SSDI. They have to wait until they turn 60 something to get medicare. But that could vary by state I don't know.