 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Many of the disabilities faced by cancer patients may be temporary or permanent. The following are recommendations for determining what resources may be best for you:
Discuss your disabilities with your physician.
Discuss your situation with your employer related to job benefits, such as sick time, disability, and retirement options.
Contact your insurance company to discuss existing or available personal disability policies.
Contact your insurance company to see if "accelerated benefits" are available. Many companies are now offering this option as a policy rider which could get you up to 90% or more on whatever portion of the policy (often 50% to 100%) to which the accelerated benefits apply. Payments are taxable at the federal level, but may be exempt at your state and local level.
If you have a permanent (whole or universal) policy, it may over time have accrued significant cash value as a result of your premium payments. In many cases, it is possible to borrow the cash from the insurance company to meet current needs, and the loan is not taxable.
Investigate available governmental benefits. Social Security Disability is based on your diagnosis and is available when it is determined that you are permanently disabled. This should be discussed with your physician. You can receive further information regarding application at 1-800-772-1213.
Social Security Income (SSI) is a supplemental income available through Social Security for those who meet both financial and medical criteria. Age is not a criteria. SSI recipients also receive a Medicaid card each month to assist in the payment of medical expenses. Further information regarding application may be obtained at 1-800-772-1213.
Income tax deductions
Medical costs that are not covered by insurance policies may sometimes be deducted from annual income before taxes. Examples might include mileage for trips to and from medical appointments, out-of-pocket costs for treatment, prescription drugs or equipment, and the cost of meals during lengthy medical visits. Consult an accountant for the current year tax laws.
Other available federal and state governmental benefits include:
Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), which provides child support payments to single parents (mother or father). Contact your local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) for more information and to apply.
Medically Needy Medicaid provides benefits to families whose medical bills exceed their income on a month to month basis, without placing limits on your income. There is a resource limit (land other than that on which you live, automobiles which exceed $2400.00 in value). Contact your local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS).
Health Insurance Counseling Assistance and Referral For the Elderly (HICARE) is sponsored by the State Division of Aging Services. Free counseling services is offered to Medicare beneficiaries in the areas of Medicare, Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance, and Medicare Supplemental Insurance. One-to-one counseling and aid in organizing paper work, filing claims, and understanding health insurance statements are part of the services. Call 1-800-669-8387, Monday -Friday 10:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm-4:00pm.
Veterans Administration
Services of the Veterans Administration are generally available to current and past members of the armed forces and their spouses. For further information, call 1-800-827-1000.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary (VFWLA)
Eligibility for financial assistance from the VFWLA is dependent on being a member for one full year. Eligible persons must be the wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, foster daughter or sister of a veteran who has received a campaign metal for service on foreign soil during a conflict. For further information, call 770-971-9104.
Property tax disabled homeowner protection may be available to you. Consult your local county tax commissioner’s office.
Contact your credit card company(s) and other lenders (mortgage, car, etc.) regarding credit disability benefits available.
Check on the value of any stocks, bonds, real estate, automobiles, jewelry, antiques and other personal property that could be used as collateral for a loan from a bank or other commercial lender.
Handicapped parking benefits may be available. Discuss with your physician.
