Yes You Can - Fourth Edition - 147

Home Health Nursing Services Maintaining your health is up to you, but help may be available through county or city resources, the Department of Veterans Aﬀairs, and nonproﬁt services [for example, visiting nurse services]. These agencies have health professionals who will come to your home and help with care needs on a limited basis if you meet the eligibility criteria. Many hospitals have home care programs that send staﬀ into homes, depending on geographic location and insurance coverage. The cost of the service and who pays for it vary by agency, and a physician’s order is usually needed for these services. Ask your social worker or the local public health department for the names of agencies. Medicare, a federal government health insurance program operated by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is available to recipients of SSDI after two years of receiving beneﬁts. Applications for SSDI, SSI, Retirement and Survivors Beneﬁts, and Medicare can be taken over the telephone. You don’t need to apply in person; a family member or representative can apply for you. It may take months or even longer before you begin receiving these beneﬁts. Learn the Social Security rules and guidelines, and keep up to date. Call the toll-free number [800-7721213] or visit the SSA website [www.socialsecurity. gov] for more information. Financial Assistance Loss of income after a crisis like a spinal cord injury can be a major worry. Speciﬁc programs are available for persons with a ﬁnancial need and a medical disability. The following is a general outline of federal and state programs. State Assistance Programs State assistance programs are run through oﬃces known as departments of social services, health and social services, welfare, or human services, to name a few. The eligibility requirements for income and Medicaid beneﬁts vary from state to state. Many programs may be available to you and your family. Call your county department of social services if you need help with the following services. Medicaid Medicaid is a state-operated program for lowincome people. It provides medical coverage for hospitalization and treatment; homemaker, home health aide, and visiting nurse services; transportation related to medical needs; and equipment. The services vary from state to state. Food Stamps The Food Stamp Program helps people with low incomes buy the food they need for good health. If you’re eligible to participate, you’ll usually receive an electronic beneﬁts transfer card [similar to a debit card] that you can use to pay for groceries. Your eligibility and monthly beneﬁts Federal Financial Programs The Social Security Administration (SSA) operates many programs that can provide beneﬁts to people with disabilities. These include Social Security Disability Insurance [SSDI], Supplemental Security Income [SSI], the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, and Retirement and Survivors Beneﬁts. SSDI may provide a partial income for persons who have been employed and are now disabled. There is up to a seven-month waiting period before beneﬁts begin. SSI provides some income to people in ﬁnancial need without regard to past work experience. Eligibility is determined based on income, age [over 65], resources, and disability. If you receive SSI, you will also be eligible for Medicaid health insurance through the state. Section 3: Coping and Living with SCI! | [ 147 ]

http://www.socialsecurity.gov http://www.socialsecurity.gov

Yes You Can - Fourth Edition

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Yes You Can - Fourth Edition