Re: Research Subjects

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/8/09 8:06:24 PM, dbargad@... writes:

You must hire a Disability Lawyer at no cost to you.  He brings proof via medical records to the law judge in your state and you are awarded.  Do not go to your Social Security office first.  Consult with a lawyer first.  Social Security will stall you with unnecessary red tape for 24 months. 

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It isn't true that a person *must* hire a disability lawyer. I applied for SSDI on my own and never discussed my case with a disability lawyer. I was awarded benefits on my first try. I worked with Social Security personnel and found them to be very helpful. In fact, I discussed with one rep whether or not I should apply for SSDI since, as I told her, I have income from other sources. She encouraged me to apply saying it was my money (paid into the system through FICA taxes), and I should fight for it. Social Security did not stall me with unnecessary red tape; on the contrary, it was, as I recall, less than a year after applying that I was awarded benefits.

You write, "Your award would be figured by counting your work credit totals." Actually, a SSDI award is generally based on average lifetime earnings. SSDI is not funded by taxpayers and is not based on financial need. Since I worked for many years, including a long time after RA was diagnosed, my "award" is fairly substantial.

SSI or Supplemental Security Income, is a different disability program where benefits are based on financial need. It is funded by taxpayers and is akin to welfare.

I once had a tenant who was employed by the Federal government where she worked for Social Security disability hearing judges. She said the key to receiving benefits is having good documentation of one's disability.

For more information about SSDI and SSI, click on the link to the Social Security web pages:

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

Clear skies,

BeingIrish

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[Guest guest]

I would look into medicare supplement plans. Most biologics (remicade included) are covered by part D.  Private insurance wont cover them usually but getting help from the state medicaid to help with expenses and exploring medicare (united health insurance) plans or AARP if you are eligible.  You absolutely should be able to get a biologic if you need it.  If you are not working, apply for SSDI.  If you apply for emergency aid while your claim is being processed, You will be able to get all your meds for little money.  There comes a time when you hit a road block and the money you make at work doesnt justify the lack of medical coverage, applying for SSDI is a viable and reasonable option.  As long as you are being treated for RA by a rheumatologist you can sue for Social Security Disability benefits.  You must hire a Disability Lawyer at no cost to you.  He brings proof via medical records to the law judge in your state and you are awarded.  Do not go to your Social Security office first.  Consult with a lawyer first.  Social Security will stall you with unnecessary red tape for 24 months.  A lawyer will help you avoid that if possible. I was denied twice until a legal advocate went to court for me.  I received a retroactive award starting with the first month I had active documented disease and treatment for it which was about 15 months worth.  Being on emergency state aid, I paid my lawyer his fee and paid the state as well.  I still had a considerable award.  Your award would be figured by counting your work credit totals.   I would weigh the cost of your monthly income versus a disability income and the retroactive award if you qualify.  I hope this helps.  Yours, Deborah

On Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 9:10 PM, hlflatau <hlflatau@...> wrote:

How many of you have taken any of the research protocols? My insurance will not cover the biologicals, and even with help, there are a lot of expenses to cover. I was on Remicade for about four months. It never occurred to me that it might take six months! Same story with Rituxin.

Right now, I am on a new injectable, not on the market. It makes me feel that although I don't respond readily, I may help in the development of something new. So Nsaids and MTX are my basics and I hope to see some changes.

This is how I cope with being a non responder to many of the current meds. How about the rest of you?Peace