Noteboom The Law Firm

How the “Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act” might affect your SSI

Many people receiving Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, are afraid of losing their benefits due to a change in income, whether recurring or one-time. For example, some people worry about how the Social Security Administration would treat an inheritance of cash or property, or a gift of money. Disability recipients wonder if their monthly checks would be reduced, or if their social security benefits would end all together.

Most recently, some people are curious as to whether they could still receive benefits if they participated in clinical trials and were paid for it. The issue has been put into the spotlight by Senators Ron Wyden, Jim Inhofe, Richard Shelby, and Chris Dodd, according to American Chronicle.

The bipartisan team recently introduced a bill that would let people suffering from unusual diseases to participate in clinical trials while still receiving both Medicaid or Medicare and SSI. The bill is referred to as the Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act.

Considering the often stringent standards for receiving SSI and government-funded medical coverage, it is not surprising that many patients in the trials worry. Unfortunately, the few hundreds of dollars that most clinical drug trials offer do count as additional income according to the SSA, and can serve to eliminate or reduce monthly checks from SSI. This particular bill asks that the SSA overlook up to $2000 received from medical trials when calculating the social security disability payments individuals are entitled to each month.

For those with rare but possibly curable diseases, participating in studies can have great benefits. Not only do they often get access to top medical facilities during the trial, but they also have a chance to help create a cure for their disease. Thus, the benefits are also extended to others suffering from the same condition, should a cure be obtained from a clinical trial. Participants are then compensated monetarily for their time, just like in any other research study.

The bill is an effort to reduce any hesitations some might have regarding participating in studies simply out of fear of losing money and medical benefits. Making the choice between current coverage and the possibility of being cured is a decision no one should have to make.

If you, or your loved one, are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The disability lawyers at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.