Noteboom The Law Firm

Stay Updated on Your Medical Eligibility

Things are changing in 2010, and staying on top of the variations that apply to you is important. First you will notice the lack of COLA in January, which most disability recipients are well aware of by now. However, many are confused about whether their medical benefits will change.

According to Earth Times, nearly ten million people who get Medicare coverage got a Low Income Subsidy simply because they received Medicaid, SSI, or were in a Medicare Savings Program. This benefit pays many of the costs associated with Medicare Part D prescription plans. Clearly, this saved several people money when it came to purchasing medications.

If you were one of those people, you should know that you might not be eligible anymore. Some prior recipients of this benefit received notice recently that they will no longer be enrolled in the Low Income Subsidy program automatically because they have not been eligible for SSI, the Medicare Savings Program, or Medicaid since July 2009.

If you did not receive a letter, you are likely still eligible for the plan. However, it is best to make sure so that if something has changed, you can plan ahead for the extra costs. You can do so by either contacting your lawyer or going to a website called BenefitsCheckUp, where you can find out what medical programs you still qualify for. As an added bonus, the website can also determine if you are eligible for programs that help with food, housing, utility bills, and more.

Going into the New Year with no clear idea of what bills you will be responsible for, or how much money you will get on each check, is a recipe for financial disaster. Planning ahead and keeping updated on your own files can ensure that you keep a roof over your head and you have as clean a bill of health as possible.

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.