Paralysis Resource Guide - (Page 270) WORKING THE SYSTEM FINANCIAL PLANNING The suddenness of a stroke, spinal cord or brain injury can be devastating emotionally and physically but also financially. At first, making plans and gaining control of one’s financial future is difficult for people who may be preoccupied with day-to-day survival after disability. While situations vary, there are some basic steps to take to reduce anxiety about paying bills and affording necessary equipment and care down the road. Here are some steps to consider, as outlined in On The Move, a Financial Guide for People With Spinal Cord Injury. The 15page booklet (from the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the National Endowment for Financial Education) lays out a series of questions based on three phases of injury: getting through “the first days,” the acute phase of the injury; “resuming life’s activities;” and “planning for the future.” Get organized: ask for help; talk to your employer about disability benefits, if any; locate important financial and legal papers; estimate as best you can your medical expenses; prioritize your bills; and keep good records. Consider all sources of funds for medical care and equipment, including your health insurance, VA benefits, auto insurance, workers comp, lawsuits, etc. Try to keep your current insurance policy in force. If you don’t have coverage for 62 days or more, you can be denied coverage for up to a year in your next group plan. A program called COBRA allows for continuation of coverage in some cases. It is important to understand Social Security and federal health care benefits (see information earlier in this chapter). It is also important to know your rights and to advocate for them. What do you do when there is no insurance money, no settlement, not enough coverage from Medicaid and still great need? You might turn to churches or service organizations (Kiwanis, Elks, etc.) for help. See the NATF financial option for seeking funds from your own donor base, page 271. For a free copy of On the Move, contact PVA, 801 Eighteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006; toll-free 1-888-860-7244; see http://www.pva.org, click on Publications. 270 http://www.pva.org
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