An individual in our office (their name shall remain anonymous) received a letter from a gentlemen who used to perform “blue collar” work (spraying for pests) on their house and property. The letter was a plea for “some kind of donation,” help may be a better word, because his heart condition has recently rendered him disabled. He has applied for SSDI and medical, but is having a hard time making ends meet during the waiting period.
What do you do in a situation like this?
Well the answer to that question is personal. However, in reading the letter, I wondered how many people know where to turn for help when they become newly disabled. How do we make these services more prominent?
My first thought was “why hasn’t his healthcare provider helped him?” and by helped I mean referred him to resources that may be available through his medical center. Most larger health institutions have assistance programs to help individuals pay for healthcare costs. Though you must qualify for this type of program, it seems in his situation he would.
Second, what not-for-profit serving heart conditions could direct him to assistance programs in his area? I know some organizations offer premium and co-payment assistance programs to help constituents pay for care. This would be especially helpful if he is on COBRA.
Third, why are there not resources listed on the web or provided in print when individuals enroll in SSDI and medical. The program has a waiting period – five months. Doesn’t it seem logical that some (if not a lot of) individuals enrolling in these programs would have a hard time making ends meet during this time, with no pay and potentially no health insurance coverage. I am confused as to why resources are not suggested to these indivdiuals when they enroll in the programs. (Now I know that SSDI back pays for the waiting period, but that does not mean that individuals do not struggle during those months).
What kinds of programs are out there, and how do you best help someone experiencing a new medical disability during such tough economic times?
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