Sheila, you were lucky. I'm under the impression that a survivor has to be on SSD for 2 years before getting Medicare if under age 65. The rules must have changed.
There are 3 ways to get Medicare under that age: if you have ALS you get it immediately. I believe that also applies if you're on renal dialysis. If the SSA declares you disabled for any other reason, you get Medicare after being on SSD for 2 years.
https://questions.medicare.gov/app/a...nder-age-65%3F