DEar Lil,
Dummy me. I should have thought about this before and posted. This is
our experience and this is how it works both for those states that have
SDI (state disability insurance) and for the SSI (Social Security
Administration).
Barb worked for many many years. When she was diagnosed we heard thru a
support group that she was entitled to monetary benefits by both the
State of California and The SSI.
WE called both and they both said "yes she was qualified as long as she
would fill out some forms, and get doctors medical records". Both were
easy to do.
The STate of California told us, as did the SSI that Barbara was
entitled to a certain amount of money depending on how many years and
how much she contributed to the state disability program which is
required by every employee in the state or Cal. It is a minimal amount
which is taken from every paycheck. The SSI said we should claim
benefits from the State first and then when that amount runs out, then
the SSI kicks in and begins their monetary benefits. WEll for a period
of 18 months, say about 30 days after the forms were sent in and
approved, the montly checks began to come. After that amount of 18
monthly checks were sent, the SSI, being on a similar computer system
as the State then began to send their monthly checks and that does not
stop for the remainder of someones life whether that be for 1 month or
60 years. From time to time they will monitor by asking quesitions to
see if you are still being treated or monitored by the doctor even after
cancer free.
Now, one of the main things is: Their policy is that no matter what age
you are, after two years of being on SSI you are automatically qualified
for medicare benefits including the monthly checks. Barb was, and turned
over her medicare benefits to her HMO for treatment, or she had the
option of going to any facility for treatment. Her fee is $34.00 a month
that is taken out of her medicare check for insurance coverage.
NOw one of the obstacles of course is that you can't or should not be
working in order to be qualified.
Pls I urge all here, if you are not covered, to call both the state in
which you reside in and the SSI for your questions and concerns because
they even encourage you to do so. If you have any further questions I
will help you try to find those answers. HOpe this info benefits.
God Bless
marty
firefly wrote:
>
> Marty, yes pls. share your information on HMO's coverage; medicare; etc. I
> think it would benefit all of us to know these things. Much thanks, Lillian
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Martin Auslander <fitecancer@earthlink.net>
> To: mol-cancer@lists.meds.com <mol-cancer@lists.meds.com>
> Date: Sunday, April 26, 1998 11:11 AM
> Subject: Re: [MOL] MYSTERY WOMEN!
>
> >Dear Ruth,
> >
> >this is on a personal note, but maybe now is the time to bring up those
> >medical benefits that every, every survivor can take advantage of from
> >the U.S. Government if they have worked up to 5 years prior to their
> >diagnosis. My question to you, Ruth, are you on medicare, no matter what
> >age you are? I will go into detail how you can be covered by any HMO or
> >facility if you meet the qualifications of the medicare program. Just a
> >suggestion. There may be those that may be interested here and if you
> >are I would be more than glad to share. I know the government, both
> >Social Security Administration and the State of California Employment
> >Develpment Dept was, in my Barbs case.
> >
> >Take care and God Bless
> >marty auslander
> >
> >
> >Ruth Devine wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi Lillian,
> >> Still trying to catch up with things. No I'm not married, single by
> >> choice. When I got diagnosed my daughter decided to come and stay with
> me
> >> for awhile. I'm really grateful that she did, but things are not working
> >> out too well. She came for all the wrong reasons and neither of us were
> >> prepared for each other. She hoping to leave by the end of May.
> >> I'm having quite a dillemma as to what I'll do. I have only lived in
> this
> >> area about 2 1/2 yrs and don't have any family or many close friends
> here.
> >> My health insurance is a HMO and they are telling me they won't provide
> >> covereage if I move out of state. I have several places I could go, but
> >> can't give up the insurance. Am going to do more calling next week, then
> if
> >> I still don't get anywhere, I will start a serious campaign to try to get
> >> help.
> >> It only makes sense to me that the costs would be the same or less to the
> >> insurance company if I am getting care at home and not have to depend
> >> others.
> >> Will keep you updated.
> >> Ruth
> >>
> >> ----------
> >> > I was sorry to hear the chemo took more out of you this time; but that
> you
> >> > are feeling better. Is it the fatigue one hear's so much about that
> put
> >> you
> >> > down? So you will be the great MOLER MYSTERY WOMEN, huh? Great and
> Ruth
> >> we
> >> > enjoy having you with us. This is one great group of people and we
> are
> >> so
> >> > fortunate to have each other. Are you married? I was wondering if you
> >> had
> >> > someone to help you when you come home from a treatment? Sure hope so.
> >> > Take care, your friend, Lillian
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > -----Original Message-----
> >> > From: Ruth Devine <drruth@onlinemac.com>
> >> > To: mol-cancer@lists.meds.com <mol-cancer@lists.meds.com>
> >> > Date: Friday, April 24, 1998 12:24 AM
> >> > Subject: Re: [MOL] Re: Hillary Clinton Wanna Be......
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > >Hi Lillian,
> >> > >Am finally getting around to replying to some messages! Had chemo on
> the
> >> > >14th and it knocked me down for a week. Went out yesterday for the
> first
> >> > >time. It seemed to be a little rougher this time (my 3rd treatment)
> but
> >> > >when I bounced back, I felt better than I did before. I think that's
> a
> >> > >good sign and may have been worth a little rougher week.
> >> > >I had to go to a different office in a different town, (same onc) for
> >> this
> >> > >treatment. Much bigger and sounds like a more typical chemo treatment
> >> > >setup with recliners, tv's, vcr's and other creature comforts. They
> even
> >> > >had wig catalogs so I took a copy of the TLC and I think the other was
> >> > >Paula Jones. Did some ordering today so am anxious for my new looks
> to
> >> > >arrive! Have only had my Hillary look, but soon will become the
> mystery
> >> > >woman!
> >> > >Have tried to keep up with everyone's postings. Really enjoy the
> jokes
> >> and
> >> > >it's so heart warming to feel the comradare here on MOL. Will talk
> with
> >> > >you soon.\
> >> > >Ruth
> >> > >
> >> > >----------
> >> > >> Dear Hillary, excuse me, I meant Ruth ! The wig sounds great and
> >> having
> >> > a
> >> > >> few will keep you occupied when folks turn their head and say "was
> that
> >> > >> Ruth? I thought she had brown hair? Replied: " No dear, she's a
> >> redhead"
> >> > >and
> >> > >> Ruth will go skipping off tee heeing all the way home! Keep your
> sense
> >> > of
> >> > >> humor, it will get you through just about anything life puts on your
> >> > >plate.
> >> > >> Glad your on board. Your friend, Lillian
> >> > >>
> >> >
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