Social Security Disability benefits are available to disabled individuals in every state, including Illinois. Without these benefits, many ill or injured individuals who are unable to work simply would not survive.
One woman suffering from multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, a heart murmur and COPD has found herself in a difficult situation. She receives Social Security disability benefits. To live, she must take high amounts of medication. She receives her health care from Medicaid. Treatment for multiple sclerosis alone costs $1,800 a month.
The woman had been living on $923 a month, which comes from Social Security. She supports both herself and her 15-year-old granddaughter on this amount.
On Jan. 1, she was told she was going to receive an extra $33 a month through her disability benefits. At first glance this seems like good news. However, the extra $33 now puts her monthly income over the limit for full Medicaid benefits by $5. This change will force her to pay a Medicaid deductible of $2,082 every two months if she wants to obtain the medication she needs to stay alive. When asked if she could refuse the raise in benefits to stay under the Medicaid limit, the Social Security Administration said it was not possible.
Individuals finding themselves in the same or similar situation may want to contact an experienced Social Security disability attorney. An attorney knows the ins and outs of the Social Security system and can guide an individual through the process. They will research the unique situation of each individual and protect their rights to receive these necessary federal benefits.
Source: WCNC, “Local woman’s increase in Social Security hinders healthcare,” Bill McGinty, April 2, 2012
Tags: illness, injury, Medicaid, Social Security Disability benefits
