Ask HN: Who wants to be fired? (May 2026)
The author shares their experience obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) after nine years and with legal assistance, detailing their monthly benefits and associated Medicare costs. They express strong criticism of Medicare Advantage and certain state Medicare programs due to restrictive AI-driven prior authorization systems. The account highlights gaps in coverage, including vision, dental, hearing, and long-term care.
- ▪It took the author nine years and a Social Security lawyer to obtain SSDI benefits.
- ▪Their net monthly SSDI payment is $2,480 after Medicare Part B deductions.
- ▪Additional costs include approximately $70 for Medicare Part D and $630 for Medicare Medigap, leaving about $1,800.
- ▪Medicare does not cover vision, dental, hearing aids, or long-term care.
- ▪The author warns against Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare in five states due to AI-based care denial systems.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
It took me 9 years and a SS lawyer to get SSDI.Also, I had some SS credit so my net monthly payment is $2480 after Medicare Part B. Expect to pay another $70/month for Medicare Part D (prescriptions) and $630/month for Medicare Medigap (F or G usually), so that leaves about $1800.Never get Medicare Advantage, it's a scam. Also, traditional Medicare in 5 states is a scam because of the care-denying, for-profit WISeR prior-authorization AI bullshit. Medicare doesn't include vision, dental, hearing, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Ycombinator.