I recently found out that I have cerebellar ataxia and don't have insurance. I am being helped by the hospital district for the moment. I found out I can not get SS disability on my own because lost some of my credits and don't have enough now to draw disability. I don't really know what to do. I am in hopes that I might can get SSI or something but am a little overwhelmed with the diagnosis at the moment. Anyone have any ideas about applying for assistance of some sort?
Hopefully some of your US counterparts can help you with this question. I'm in Australia and we have a very different health care system. All the best, Lucy
I don't know your financial situation, but perhaps you may qualify for Medicaid. I'm kind of in the same boat but I currently get SS Disability and am in the middle of the 2 Year waiting period to qualify for Medicare. I to have no health insurance right now. I have found a group of doctors in my area who provide free medical services if needed depending on a persons income. I would call your local department of Social Services and see if you qualify for Medicaid. Hope this answer helps.
I have cerebellar ataxia too. I got SSI from the US Federal Government but had to hire a lawyer and they filed the appeals. I did not pay then upfront. When I did get my retroactive settlement the lawyer got $800. The cost is more if you have filed 3 appeals and have to go to court.The lawyer fees are standard and set by the SS Administation, For me there was a 2 year waiting period to collect Medicaid after I was classified as disabled. I may want to check into the Marketplace for ObamaCare that starts in Jan. All this is sad that such a developed country does not make sickness easy! I had to fill out endless medical forms and wait 7 months for disability!
If you live in the States (like I do), I would say that SSI is your best bet! Also, contact your local DHS (Department of Social Services) office to see if you're eligible for medicaid (health insurance) and/or food benefits. Also ObamaCare (health insurance) begins in January, 2014 and open enrollment is going on right now (you can enroll on your computer). Speak to a adult services worker (at DHS), as they may be able to help you or have other suggestions. Yes, I'm certain you feel overwhelmed right now! My best to you! ;o)
Your first job right now is to deal with this diagnosis, then deal with insurance. Fortunately the insurance question has a solution that can be dealt with. Your diagnosis really has no treatment so seeing a doc isn’t actually necessary IF the diagnosis is correct. This is hard to diagnose. Depression from this May be your worst enemy so protect against this. See a counselor if its available to you. I am also getting financial assistance from a great hospital who sees me at no charge. This has been a god send. If you are low income you can get SSI and if not it would be worth tracking down those lost social security credits. AND you will be able to get insurance through the affordable care act (Obama Care) beginning Jan 1 and if you can’t pay for it the govt will subsidize it for you. The bureaucracy is a pain but you will get insurance. If you get SSI you still have a 2 year waiting period for Medicare. In the mean time the state will likely have a Medicaid program that will cover you. It’s income based and all you have to do is apply for SSI. One important key is to get a copy of your doctor’s diagnosis. Ask them for a copy of his chart notes and a CD of the MRI. I keep copies of all my doc visits in my own file. When you change docs this will help a lot. Also, find out if you have cerebellar ataxia or spinal cerebellar ataxia. If it is SCA social security has this disease on a special list of conditions that they approve automatically. You just have to prove it in the medical documentation. It took me about 6 months to get SS Disability and was approved first time through, which almost never happens. I did it myself without a lawyer and this saved me thousands. I also looked back to see when it was that I was unable to work and put down that date. In my case it was more than two years earlier. They paid me for a year back in the first check. One of the harder questions to answer is what it is that prevents you from working a job full time. Not being able to walk or being dizzy isn’t necessarily a reason not to be able to work. Depending on your symptoms, you’ll need to analyze what’s happening that stops you from working 8 hrs a day. In my case it’s the nystagmus in my eyes and fatigue. I’m available to help you if you want it. Send me a private message and I’ll give you my phone.
I don't know how to send a private message on here.
maryseas said:
Your first job right now is to deal with this diagnosis, then deal with insurance. Fortunately the insurance question has a solution that can be dealt with. Your diagnosis really has no treatment so seeing a doc isn't actually necessary IF the diagnosis is correct. This is hard to diagnose. Depression from this May be your worst enemy so protect against this. See a counselor if its available to you. I am also getting financial assistance from a great hospital who sees me at no charge. This has been a god send. If you are low income you can get SSI and if not it would be worth tracking down those lost social security credits. AND you will be able to get insurance through the affordable care act (Obama Care) beginning Jan 1 and if you can't pay for it the govt will subsidize it for you. The bureaucracy is a pain but you will get insurance. If you get SSI you still have a 2 year waiting period for Medicare. In the mean time the state will likely have a Medicaid program that will cover you. It's income based and all you have to do is apply for SSI. One important key is to get a copy of your doctor's diagnosis. Ask them for a copy of his chart notes and a CD of the MRI. I keep copies of all my doc visits in my own file. When you change docs this will help a lot. Also, find out if you have cerebellar ataxia or spinal cerebellar ataxia. If it is SCA social security has this disease on a special list of conditions that they approve automatically. You just have to prove it in the medical documentation. It took me about 6 months to get SS Disability and was approved first time through, which almost never happens. I did it myself without a lawyer and this saved me thousands. I also looked back to see when it was that I was unable to work and put down that date. In my case it was more than two years earlier. They paid me for a year back in the first check. One of the harder questions to answer is what it is that prevents you from working a job full time. Not being able to walk or being dizzy isn't necessarily a reason not to be able to work. Depending on your symptoms, you'll need to analyze what's happening that stops you from working 8 hrs a day. In my case it's the nystagmus in my eyes and fatigue. I'm available to help you if you want it. Send me a private message and I'll give you my phone.
Sign in to your account and go to your mail box here