I found this article to be interesting (and somewhat of a relief). Let's hope that not only the money will be there for future generations which find the need to be on Medicaid. Let's also hope that people use good judgement when exploring the possibility of seeking federal aid, as it pertains to SSDI, Medicare, & Medicaid. Save it for those in need. Here is a snipet of the article. A link to the complete article follows.

Dated Feb 23, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC – "As Congress prepares to debate the President’s budget and looks ahead to address the growing federal deficit and the future sustainability of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, a new study of future funding requirements for Medicaid by the Kaiser Family Foundation’s Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured (KCMU) projects a less dire situation than suggested by conventional wisdom. The study, authored by Richard Kronick of the University of California, San Diego and David Rousseau of KCMU and published by the journal Health Affairs today, concludes that expected growth in government revenues is likely to be large enough to sustain Medicaid spending increases over the next 40 years, while also allowing substantial real growth in spending for other public services".

http://www.kff.org/medicaid/kcmu022307nr.cfm?RenderForPrint=1


---------------------------------------------------

In addtion to my web site that contains information pertainent to disability, there is also a forum and NOW a chat area. Please feel free to stop by and post.

http://www.disabilityhelpsite.com



-----------------------------------

Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)

The mission of the Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is to increase the use of technology by children and adults with disabilities and functional limitations.

The ATA is a growing national network of technology resource centers, organizations, individuals and companies. ATA encourages and facilitates the empowerment of people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities.

Through public education, information and referral, capacity building in community organizations, and advocacy/policy efforts, the ATA enables millions of people to live, learn, work, define their futures, and achieve their dreams.

“ATA … connecting children and adults with disabilities and functional limitations to technology.”

Check out their services here: http://www.ataccess.org/default.html

-------------------------------------

Here is a contact list of pharmaceutical companies that have programs to assist the elderly and the disabled with prescription drugs. These companies offer discount cards. Call and ask for information but make sure you understand how participating in one of these programs will affect other prescription assistance programs you are enrolled in.

* GlaxoSmithKline's The Orange Card: (888) 672-6436

* Eli Lilly's LillyAnswers Card: (877) 795-4559

* Novartis' The CareCard: (866) 974-2273

* Pfizer's The Share Card: (800) 459-4156

* Abbott Laboratories
AstraZeneca
Aventis Pharmaceuticals
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
GlaxoSmithKline
Janssen
Johnson & Johnson
Ortho-McNeil's TogetherRx Card:
(800) 865-7211 (to contact the companies listed above in bold font)

Check my web site for more prescription medicine programs


---------------------------------------------------------

Continuing on with the topic of government disability programs. I suggest you search GovBenefits.gov. They'll have you answer a questionaire (no personal questions are asked), at the end of the questionaire it will show you what programs that you may qualify for and links to those sites.

Their mission statement: "GovBenefits.gov helps citizens access government benefit eligibility information through a free, confidential, and easy-to-use online screening tool. After answering some basic questions, the user receives a customized report listing the benefit programs for which the user, or person for whom he or she is entering information, may be eligible".

GovBenefits.gov website
http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal

For disability benefits for each state of the union, I suggest the following site:
http://www.nichcy.org/states.htm


Please remember to visit my web site. You'll find information on prescription medicine programs, impairment sites, financial aid, and a web FORUM.



-----------------------------------------

Disability Help is available

The disABLED have many needs which challenge their lives. People with disabilities can face financial needs as well as struggling with prescription medicine costs. There is help available. SSI disability benefit, assistive technology devices, and special homeowner funding are all benefits which are available to the disABLED.

I created this blog in hopes of helping those with disabilities to locate needed benefits to enhance their lives.

I'd like to start with the availablity of government benefits.

To be covered by governmental disability benefits (referred to as SSDI) you must have worked at jobs which are covered by social security. There is a point system which calculates the amount of time you worked, to enable you to receive this benefit.

Government web page: http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify2.htm

The law defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

Government web page: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/determination.htm

Disability starter kits are available from the government. These kits contain the fact sheet "What You Should Know before You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits". It also contains a checklist of information and documents to have ready for your disability interview.

Government web page: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits_adult_eng.htm

I plan to continue to add to this blog as I aquire new information, but I also have a web site located at: http://www.disabilityhelpsite.com
My site contains topics such as government benefits, rights, home modifications ideas, assistive technology, prescription med help, and much more. There is also a disability FORUM.