Noteboom The Law Firm

Manage Medical Costs Before You Receive Medicare

If you have applied for Social Security disability recently, it is a step toward getting compensated for disabilities that prevent you from working. Whether you are still waiting on a decision or have just heard that you are approved, know that you will not get a social security payment right away. In fact, you will not receive payments for the first six month period after you discovered your disability. After waiting sometimes more than six months just to get news of your approval in the mail, this can be disappointing.

If you are depending on disability benefits to help cover your medical costs, there is more unfortunate news. You cannot get Medicare coverage until you have received disability payments for two years. Obviously, this is a hardship for the majority of recipients, one that many people are currently trying to fix.

In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help keep somewhat affordable medical coverage. The first choice can be costly, but less expensive than paying out of pocket, and that is to keep the private insurance from your former job. If you are no longer working, expect it to cost more than when you were employed. However, one option, called COBRA, lets you extend your insurance for a year and a half after you stop working. In some cases, you can even get that time period extended.

If you are generally healthy aside from your disability, you might be better off not paying for constant coverage unless you go to the doctor often. Instead, you could try to work out payment plans with your doctors after letting them know you have no insurance. Many clinics provide reduced rates and helpful plans to those without coverage. Even switching from name brand medications to the generic kind can help save a lot of money over time. Such suggestions could help you get by until you can start receiving Medicare.

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.