If you were recently diagnosed with a disability, you may rest easier knowing that the United States is home to some of the most advanced medical technology and treatment practices. The caveat to this, though, is that it is also one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world. While you may have already gotten approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, this may still not be enough, given all your other living expenses. So, if this is your current predicament, please continue reading to learn what to do if you still cannot afford your medical bills and how an experienced New Jersey SSDI benefits lawyer at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur can help you get out of this medical debt.
What should I do if I still cannot afford my medical bills with SSDI benefits?
Importantly, you should know that you may be eligible to receive SSDI benefits and Medicare simultaneously after a 24-month waiting period. This is so long as you are 65 years of age or older, or if you are younger than 65 with a certain disability. Then, you may be automatically qualified for Medicaid. This is if your family income is at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level, among other eligibility requirements.
On top of this, we encourage you to research the New Jersey Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program (Charity Care). This program is available at all acute care hospitals in the state to financially aid patients for inpatient and outpatient, medically necessary services. Again, you must meet certain income and asset criteria here.
Lastly, if worse comes to worst, there is no harm in asking your healthcare provider if the hospital or medical office offers interest-free payment plans or opportunities to negotiate reduced rates. You may go as far as retaining the services of a seasoned medical bill advocate.
Should I return to work to help pay off my outstanding medical bills?
Hopefully, the advanced healthcare you received in the U.S. has allowed you to, at least, partially recover from your disability. Now, your primary focus may shift to paying off your outstanding medical bills. If your SSDI benefits payments alone are no longer cutting it, you may strongly consider rejoining the workforce to earn substantial wages again.
Understandably, you may be hesitant about whether you are ready or capable of handling this. Well, luckily, there is the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Trial Work Period (TWP). This may allow you to work for up to nine months without immediately losing your SSDI benefits and full Medicare coverage, regardless of your total earnings.
To ensure you do not go through this critical yet complex process by yourself, please reach out to a skilled New Jersey SSDI benefits lawyer. Our team at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur is more than happy to serve you.
