Any tips for quickly getting disability and/or medicaid??

[tiffany515]

hey everybody....my name is Tiffany, and I joined medhelp back in 2008 when I first started experiencing symptoms (some of you may remember me).  I was not diagnosed then, but had seen 2 neuros, who both seemed to think that MS was a possibility, and underwent various tests. I got on medicaid then, and it helped with the costs of the neuros, and the tests, of course, but I was still in limbo for a long time, as some of my tests came back normal.  The most evidence of MS that they could see was from my MRI, but my neuro waited six months, and then ordered another brain MRI to compare the two.  While waiting on results, I became pregnant with my third baby, and didn't make it back to the dr.  During my pregnancy, all of my symptoms disappeared, and I couldn't take meds and undergo most testing, so I just gave it up, really believing that I was fine, and it was over.  Well, I had my baby in February, and since then, my symptoms have re-appeared.  However, my medicaid expired, and they didn't approve my renewal.  Two weeks ago, though, I had a severe flare-up of symptoms, and decided to take the copies of both brain MRI's and my EMG results to a doctor that I had to pay for.  He is not a neurologist, but after looking at the results of all of my tests (esp. the comparison b/t the two MRI's) and reviewing my history, he said that he had not a doubt in his mind that I have MS.  He put me on several medications to treat symptoms, and told me that I needed to apply for medicaid and disability, and then get in to see an MS specialist as soon as possible.  This was on Tuesday.  Needless to say, I'm having a very rough week.  I am struggling to accept the diagnosis, and very worried, esp. since I have no med. coverage, and not enough money to afford the proper treatment!  Any suggestions or helpful words would be greatly appreciated!!

[Lulu54]

I posted the info on an upcoming teleconference about this subject that may be helpful....

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Social-Security-NMSS-Teleconference/show/1318196

[tiffany515]

I live in Louisiana.....and thanks for the link!

[MarksMS]

Tiffany,

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this especially with four kids, were you perfectly healthy, four kids would be a struggle.

I do have some encouraging news given my understanding of your finances - once you get an Rx for a disease modifying drug aka DMD, probably Copaxone or one of the interferons (known as ABR), the company that sells it in the US will probably pay most of the cost after you contact them with the Rx and provide more information than the IRS gets with your 1040.

All of these are injected, but later this year it is likely the FDA will approve a pill, the final decision has not been made to my knowledge.

None of the DMDs cures MS, the claim is that they reduce the frequency of relapses.

Your experience with pregnancy is very common for women with MS.

I hope you can get financial and medical aid in the very near future.

Mark

[Quixotic1]

SSI - Social Security Supplemental Income - needs-based and a shorter application process

SSDI - Social Security Disability Income

Tiffany - I think your best bet is to get an aid worker and get back on Medicaid as soon as possible.  I don't think the process for SSI is terribly long and it is dependent on income.

Here is our Health Page on the two types of Social Security payments.

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/Social-Security-Disability-SSDI--Supplemental-Security-Income-SSI/show/529?cid=36

What state do you live in?

Quix

[RedFlame]

Sorry to hear that both of you are needing help now

The process of SSDI is long.  Once you have compled the application and they have all the doctor reports, it will take at least 6 months to make a decision.  

A doctor can  not apply for you, the department of social security will only obtain records from all your doctors.  Once you are granted SSDI you have to wait 18 months for your medicare to kick in.  

While you are waiting for your SSDI you need to go in to the state office that administers medicaid and food stamps.  As long as you haven't been working, you should be elegible for medicaid and foot stamps.

Red

[tiffany515]

thanks everyone for the comforting words and advice.  i really am on a roller coaster of emotions right now.....yesterday i felt great (very positive), and today i felt like i was gonna have a panic attack more than once, and have not been able to keep any food or drink down!  i believe the stress is causing the nausea and vomiting, so i took a phenergan tablet, and just wanna go to sleep now.  oh well....we'll see what tomorrow holds.....should get better, b/c me and the kids are gonna take a two hour drive back to my hometown, and visit with family.  i'm just worried.....i've been soooo sick the last couple of weeks, while trying to care for four children and work, and housework.....can't help but wonder how long i'll be able to do these things, b/c right now it's already so hard!...........sorry.....ranting now.....as i started to say, thanks everyone, and i'll definitely post some updates.

[Lulu54]

Tiffany and April,  I am so  sorry to hear that you have a dx of MS, but it really is good to put a name on the MonSter you are dealing with.  Now you can arm yourself with lots of knowledge.

I'm not too familiar with the Medicaid,SSDI process so I hope others will pop in here and share their experiences.

I welcome both of you to the other side of the mountain - be prepared for good days and bad days as your moods swing and adjust to this new news.  I promise you will find a way to settle in and live with this disease.  

Until then, be kind to yourself.

hugs, Lulu

[anneb5517]

I'm a caseworker in the state of Michigan, not sure where you are, but if you have minor children, you would be eligible for medicaid based on being a caretaker. Coverage would be dependent upon income. In Michigan we have no such thing as 'emergency' medicaid, but as long as you are a parent of a child under 18, the child lives with you and also is on medicaid, you would not need to present any medical evidence of disability. Take care. -- Anne

[figuerpa]

Have your doctor file your SSI papers for you, I know that can help with the process. But I am not sure how much it will help.

As for having no symptoms when you were pregnant. From my sisters experience, the doctors told her that while she was pregnant that the MS goes into remission and symptoms seem to dissapear.

I am truly sorry for your diagnosis, but go back and apply for medicaid and let them know that SSI paperwork is in process.

Hugs

Paula

[debtea]

I am so sorry to hear of you diagnosis and the stress it is causing you.  I was diagnosed about two weeks ago and understand the difficulty in dealing with this.  I don't know any shortcuts to applying for SSI, but I am sure the many MS organizations would help to obtain medications.  Please check them out.  Also, reapply for medicaid on an emergency basis - have the doctor you went to write a note explaining the diagnosis and need for an MS Specialist.  Hope all goes well.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
(((Hugs)))
Debtea

[APE861]

I TO WAS TOLD I HAD MS 2 DAYS AGO I HAVE TO TAKE THE SHOTS ONCE A WEEK I JUST DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO EITHER I'M SO SCARED AND I DONT EAT MUCH LOSING WEIGHT I CANT EXCEPT THIS AND I HAVE TO. ITS VERY HARD FOR ME. WHEN YOU GET HELP YOU WILL GET THE TREATMENT. GET ON AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WE DONT WANT IT TO GET WORSE. I HAVE NO INSURANCE EITHER AND MY HUSBAND IS SSI TOO FOR CANCER I HAVE 2 CHILDREN AND I JUST WANT TO GET BACK ON MY FEET AND LEAD A NORMILLY LIFE WITH MS AND JUST BE THERE FOR MY FAMILY. PLEASE CALL IF YOU NEED SOME ONE TO TALK TO OK GOD IS WITH ALL LOVE APRIL