It’s been suggested to me that I start a new thread so that some of our Medicaid experts can chime in.
For background see this thread:
https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=843266
Specifically, starting at post #313:
https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=20785925
If I understand correctly, you are running out of covered days in a rehab facility. They have helped you fill out a medicaid application, but you don’t know how or when this will help you. Do I have that right? Do you have to pay all the bills yourself first, for example? Who qualifies and how?
I did have one other thought. Is it worth talking to a social security disability attorney? It sounds like this is a lifetime issue. You might want to apply and see if you can qualify for aid (and medicare) that way.
I was rejected for Medicaid for having too much money. They say it’s too much, but I’ll have to dig into my savings more than I’m comfortable with.
I’ve been given a number to call to appeal to my insurance. We’ll see how that goes.
I have thought about SSI.
When I applied to SSDI, I used an attorney (and anecdotal evidence suggests that you always should). It took 2-3 months, so it can move relatively quickly.
Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t this prolonged hospitalization the result of medical error? Perhaps talk to your lawyer?
I’m also pursuing that.
Doing some Googling it appears that SSDI is not means tested, at least not in the same way that SSI would be. Is that correct?
Correct. SS Disability is not means tested, except to determine that you are not working.
Can I get it retroactively for the time I’ve spent in hospitals/rehabs?
maybe it can, I have heard that many (most?) people are denied routinely and have to appeal.
sounds like it’s worth doing David, good luck.
So I could spend a lot of money on an attorney and still be denied.
I’m confused.
Why aren’t the insurance company, for the hospital that made this mistake, covering ALL of your expenses? Especially your rehab?
I mean, why aren’t they at the ready to cover EVERY expense? They almost killed you!
Because they’re greedy assholes who are in business to make money rather than to pay for necessary treatment.
I called Blue Cross’ appeal line and was told by a customer service drone that I can’t appeal. What the hell is the appeal line for?
They said the benefit is for 30 days per calendar year. It should be based on need, not some arbitrary time limit!
Yes, it’s paid back to the beginning of the disability.
No, the money is paid out of your award and the amount is capped by law.
I believe the number of people who get denied and have to appeal is much lower with an attorney than without.
Okay. I just have to find a good SSDI attorney in my area
I would reiterate - talk to your lawyer. It might be the case that the hospital’s insurance company will pay for all this, but it won’t be soon. Your lawyer should be able to advise you on applying for SSDI, including if they deny you. (Anecdotally, I believe they often do, the first time you apply, but I have also heard that appeals are often successful).
Possibly, unless your lawyer is willing to work on contingency, but that will mean he gets 25-30% of the final settlement if there is one and nothing if there isn’t one.
Regards,
Shodan
No, see Sunny Daze’s post 14 above.
Do lawyers really take on SSDI cases on contingency? It seems like the potential payoff would be too small to make it worth the risk.
No. An SSDI attorney will review your eligibility, and will not take the case if he doesn’t think you will be accepted. His fee will be a percentage of your accumulated back-benefits up to a year, which is a strong incentive for him to drag his feet for a year while your back pay builds up.
I write software. Going into a workplace 40 hours a week won’t be doable for a while if ever.
It’s difficult to find 40 hours of remote work every week. I’m able to find an occasional remote job. Can I collect the SSDI for the slack periods, or is it all or nothing?