Saturday, April 11, 2015

Sickle Cell not an Automatic Qualification for Social Security Disability

                                        Automatic Qualification for Social Security Disability?
       
    The presentation of the Qualification process for Social Security Disability was perplexing and the criteria for Disability Determination needs further clarification.  The presenter stated, the Criteria for Sickle Cell Disability Determination included: 

1.       Diagnosis
             2.       #3 Hospitalizations within the last 12 months
             3.       Chronic Anemia affecting the Organs.  Children and Adults

      Laws for SSI Determination are different in each state and the process for determination can take between 1-2 years.  Sickle Cell Disease Anemia not categorized as a Congenital Disease (such as Downs Syndrome) which would automatically fast-track this population as ‘disabled’ and eligible for SSI benefits.  Lead experts commented on the state of Disability Determination raising that their needs to be a Once Source Resource Portal for healthcare providers to access for assisting patients and families through the process.  Other comments suggestions included:
o   A Legal Team and Social Security Advocate in each state that can work with persons through the process.
        o   Re-Vamp the Determination Process for SSI Determination?
        o   If person with SSI have chronic pain and are not hospitalized, should they still qualify  
                          for SSI?
        o   What are SSI benefits can they qualify for?
        o   If on hydroxyurea, can patients still qualify?
           Here is a link to the Application for Social Security Disability Benefits
 
                        Click on the,  Social Security: Disability Benefits

                                          Ticket to Work Program
                             Welcome to Ticket to Work Program!
          Ticket to Work is a free and voluntary program that can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, and become financially independent, all while they keep their Medicare or Medicaid. Individuals who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability and are age 18 through 64 probably already qualify for the program.  Click on the,  Ticket to Work Program

All the best,
Dr. Anderson

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