One of the most frustrating problems people with disabilities experience is that a loss of a job usually leads to loss of healthcare coverage. Filing for Social Security disability takes several months if not two years on average for a decision on an application. When people with chronic or traumatic health problems lose their health insurance, they usually go without needed care. Sadly, many health-impaired individuals who are unable to return to work for health reasons, also lose much-needed access to health care.
Researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health found that poverty has “emerged as an increasingly important risk factor for mortality in American adults.” “Income is more associated with length of life now than it was 15 years ago .. we may be seeing the emergence of a health poverty trap, where essentially people who are poor don’t have the same access to the important determinants that allow them to stay healthy,” explains Jacob Bor, Assistant Professor of Global Health at Boston University and the author of the study.
We see this every day in this practice area. One of the most frequent questions I hear is: what should I do about healthcare? First, stay on a spouse or relative’s healthcare policy even if it means an extra expense. Second, use any other income to purchase coverage on the healthcare exchange. A problematic loophole to this advice is that without income, many individuals are not eligible for subsidized plans provided through the healthcare exchange. Third, COBRA coverage allows you to stay on employer-provided healthcare coverage for 18 months after leaving a job. However, the employee is responsible for paying the entire monthly premium amount. Most people who are losing income due to a medical-related job loss often find this is cost-prohibitive. Fourth, after exhausting assets and income, apply for financial assistance at Grady Healthcare, Emory University or Wellstar Kennestone. I will not profess to be an expert in their financial departments, but many of my clients have found assistance at these three hospitals.
In areas outside metro Atlanta, access to subsidized healthcare remains a challenge. Community Health Centers in Georgia serve both rural Georgia and inner-city areas. Approximately, 40 percent of patients at community health centers have no insurance coverage. Click here to locate one of Georgia’s community health centers.
If you need help applying for Social Security disability, give me a call at 404 255 9838.