Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Disability Interview Today

Thanks Erica, that's good advice... I think it went very well, the interviewer told me that with today's technology, they are able to pull up medical documentation and pharmacy records rather quickly and that I should hear something back very soon...and she got my direct deposit info, which I found encouraging...it was also a sad realization to know that I'll likely never work again but hey, I fought the good fight...I just hate asking for help...

Hi Michelle
$68k self pay?
Jumping Jeosephat! You must be loaded! lol.

But in all seriousness, NOBODY on this planet should have to self pay anywhere near that much just to feel somewhat better, especially annually. It's just sooo... ugh - I can't say it here.

I haven't gone through the disability process in years (decades since my fist OPs), so all I can offer is that I hope that you get this disability passed soon. My fingers are crossed for you.

If it helps any, my brother's girlfriend just told me that her SS caseworker says that she *should* be approved her her SS disability anytime soon, and she said that her newly needed 'hardcore meds' is an important factor that will help her get it. She has been denied twice, appealed twice and has an attorney working on the case for her since her knowledge of the second denial (as far as I know).

Take care,
James

What makes me sad is when people are forced to mortgage their homes, sell all their assets and use up any savings in order to pay for medical bills. Then end up homeless. It seems to happen to too many people so I hope you are able to hold your head above water through all this, Michelle, and get some relief through disability.

Hi James...well, this last year has been more expensive than usual, I had the hand sugery and a hospital stay in the period that I submitted to SS, I used the 12 months prior to my application, so those bills were in there but even if you take those bills out of it, I'm still a little over $45k, mostly because of the Enbrel...hopefully, I'll be approved and quickly! So, how have you been doing? Feeling better? I certainly hope so, my friend!

I totally agree with you on that one Wendy...it's sad and another thing that is so unsettling to me is that an insurance company can get away with dropping you just when you need your benefits the most and then another insurance company might pick you up, if you're lucky, but of course, they won't cover any pre-existing conditions...

Hey Michelle,
Sounds like it went well.. Good Luck! Its the rollercoaster ride from heck! LOL

I know how what you mean. I haven't been able to work for remuneration for 5.5 years, and my 4 hr per week bookkeeping job is kicking my butt, literally, for 2 days afterward.

And I'm going to be in your boat soon, as my husband's union insurance runs out at the end of this month. Then our premium goes up to $841 per month because of my stupid health issues. Or we can choose to pay $257 per month for a high risk policy that has a $10,000 deductible and then pays 50/50 after that. We might actually get separate policies, because he's healthy as a horse as they say.

I hope SO much you get approved right away! I haven't had "the talk" with my doctor yet, but Dec 16th is the day. I'm going to take my own advice and let her, the professional, decide for me.

I'll tell you that Canada is looking pretty good from my dining room window right about now!

Peace

Good luck to you Michelle. I know very little about the process but after all you have been through you sure need this to work out without all the usual struggle folks go thru to get Disability that is deserved.

You will be in our thoughts

Michelle, I have been on SSDI for a little over 20 yrs. I had to go to their Dr. for a once over, but don't remember any personal interview. It has been so long that I am not positive, but I think you get the hospital part when you qualify and then have to wait a yr. or two to be able to buy the part B of Medicare. If you are trying to get some help from Medicaid, then I think they make you use up most of your resources first. I kept my private insurance for yrs. and used it as primary, and kept my wife insured,although they forced me to use Medicare as primary eventually. However it works now days I wish you good luck.
J.R.

Wow Michelle I can't believe how much your bills are.

Better move to Australia on Medicare you wouldnt be paying anything
and even if you choose to go private and pay it would never ever be that much.
If you have AS in oz its one of the disabilities you can receive a payment for if your single or a low income earner. Being married I don't qualify!

Hope all goes well for you
Noelene