Managing the Costs of a Disability

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1. How to Handle the Rising Costs Associated with a Disability

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

February 02, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

How to Handle the Rising Costs Associated with a Disability

Living with a disability is difficult enough, worrying about the costs that come with it should not be.  Sadly, the reality for many is that managing a disability can become costly; however, there are programs and resources that can help you.

Health Insurance:

If you need health insurance to cover your healthcare needs, the Health Insurance Market Place had open enrollment until December 15, 2022 but you still may be eligible if you meet certain criteria. Contact the Healthcare Marketplace for more information. The Healthcare Marketplace has helped tens of millions of Americans get access to affordable health insurance.  Americans making under 400% of the federal poverty level may be able to purchase subsidized health insurance. 

Prescription Drug Assistance:

PACE,PACENET and PACE plus Medicare are Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs for older adults, offering low-cost prescription medication to qualified residents, age 65 and older. For information, call 1-800-225-7223 or visit www.aging.state.pa.us.

Co-Pay Assistance

You may be required to pay a co-pay for service even if you have health insurance. With an ongoing disability, these costs can add up. Below are a few resources who can potentially help with those costs.  

• Good Days www.mygooddays.org
• Patient Advocate Foundation www.patientadvocate.org  or 800-532-5274
• HealthWell Foundation www.healthwellfoundation.org
• Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) www.panfoundation.org

Other Services and Programs:

Community Health Centers – There are about 200 community health centers across the state that provide free or low-cost comprehensive, high quality medical healthcare for all ages on an ability-to-pay basis. In some locations, a full range of services such as dental care and prescription drugs may be available. Services may be free or low-cost, based on your household income. To find the health centers nearest you, call the PA Association of Community Health Centers, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1-866-944-CARE (2273), or go to www.pachc.com for a list of centers.

Financial Assistance with Hospital Bills – Most hospitals offer financial assistance for uninsured patients who need treatment but cannot afford to pay their bills. Patients who qualify will have their bills reduced or eliminated. If you have hospital bills that you cannot afford to pay, call the hospital’s billing department and ask how you may apply for financial assistance.

If you are suffering from a disabling condition and you cannot work or do the work that you did before, you should consider applying for Social Security Disability Benefits.

If you have applied for SSD or SSI benefits or are considering applying and have questions, contact the attorneys at Berger and Green today for a free no obligation consultation.