Financial & Legal
Matters
Parkinson’s Disease can be stressful for you and your loved ones. Be informed and plan for the financial and legal matters unique to this disease.
Legal Matters
When considering legal representation, be sure that they are well versed in the specific issues that pertain to illness and disability. You should consider an attorney for disability and illness as soon as you believe your situation may qualify for disability benefits. Your representation can help you ensure your application is complete and properly presents your case in order to give you the best chance for approval (especially if your condition is severe, you anticipate a denial, or have a complex medical history).
Situations where an attorney can be helpful
> When considering filing for disability - consult an attorney early to determine the strength of your case.
> After receiving a denial - if your claim is denied, an attorney can help navigate the appeals process.
> Complex medical conditions - an attorney can help present your case effectively when detailed explanations are needed.
> Severe limitations - an attorney can advocate for your needs if your disability impacts your ability to work.
> Financial hardship - an attorney can potentially expedite your case if you face financial difficulties due to your disability.
Benefits of having a disability attorney
> Expert guidance - attorneys understand the complexities of disability law and can advise you on the best course of action.
> Stronger application - attorneys can help complete your application accurately and gather the details to support your claim.
> Representation at hearings - an attorney can advocate for you and question witnesses effectively.
> Appeals process - if you are denied, an attorney can help guide you through the appeals process.
Know your rights
Individuals, families and their caregivers may have statutory (government created) rights to be free from discrimination on the basis of disability and to participate in certain disability-based benefits programs. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that was originally passed in 1990 and later amended in 2008, protects people against the unlawful discrimination based on disability in virtually all areas of life. It is important to note that having or being diasnosed with an illness does not automatically entitle someone to those protections, and for those eligible for protections the scope of their rights may be limited.
Senior fraud
Senior fraud is very real and not a subject that individuals, families and caregivers want to hear happening to them. Senior fraud is estimated to effect 1 in 10 elderly Americans each year and $77 billion of all reported global fraud was in fact linked to elderly victims. And yet, senior fraud is a crime that is vastly underreported due to shame, uncertainty or an inability or lack of awareness of where to turn. Exploited seniors are usually left to deal with lost retirement savings, stolen investments, emotional damage and lasting trauma.
Senior fraud can take on many forms, from romance, government imposter, emergency and lottery scams to customer support and technology scams. While each form varies in delivery and scope, the objective is the same; to prey upon a vulnerable demographic through deceit, misrepresentation, or abuse of confidence. In a number of cases, victims of senior fraud share a close connection with the perpetrators. Although strangers may be responsible, many cases are actually committed by family, friends, neighbors or others in positions of trust.
How to protect yourself
> Be cautious of unsolicited contact - such as phone calls, emails, text or door-to-door offers. Don't give out personal information, like your Social Security number, bank account number, or PIN, unless you initiate the contact.
> Be wary of online scams - do not click on suspicious links or attachments in emails or texts. Also, be careful of online acquaintances who ask you to keep your relationship a secret or profess their love too quickly.
> Don’t rush into financial decisions - perpetrators may create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Ask for details in writing and get multiple opinions.
> Stay connected with loved ones - Regular visits, phone calls, video calls, emails, and texts can help prevent social isolation, which is a risk factor for financial exploitation.
> Set up a system for paying your bills
> Monitor your credit reports - regularly review your credit reports.
> Shred sensitive documents - shred paper documents containing sensitive information such as receipts, bank statements, and unused credit card offers.
> Keep electronic devices secure - ensure your software is always up to date and disconnect from the internet and shut down your devices if you see a pop-up message or locked screen.
Insurance and financial assistance
Employee Insurance
If you are insured, through an employer or retirement policy, be sure to read all of the policies, including disability policies, pertaining to chronic illness. If you need help understanding your benefits, contact your employer’s personnel department or your financial planner. Be sure to find out if your coverage plan covers referral to a specialist.
Private Insurance
If you are unemployed and do not have health coverage, private insurance can be purchased. When considering private insurance policies, be sure to look for the highest level of coverage you can afford. Just like employee insurance, make sure to read all of the policies pertaining to chronic illness, including the disability policies, and whether a policy will cover a referral to a specialist.
Medicare
Although it is very complex, if you are over the age of 65, you will qualify for Medicare. Visit the government’s website on Medicare to learn more.
There are options to supplement this insurance with what is called a “Medigap” policy that is available through a private insurere. Visit the official Medicare site to learn more.
If you are disabled, but too young to qualify for Social Security, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability.
In order to received Medicare drug coverage, you are required to join a plan run by an insurance company or other private company approved by Medicare. The cost and drugs covered will vary per plan. Visit the official Medicare website to learn more about prescription drug coverage.
Social Security Disability
Medicaid
If you have left your job because you are not able to work and are not eligible for social security, you might be eligible for social security disability (SSD). In order to qualify, you must have worked long enough and recently enough, having paid social security taxes.
For the purpose of SSD, you are considered to be disabled if:
> You cannot do work that you did before;
> You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
> Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
For more information about social security disability, visit the U.S. governement website.
Medicaid may be the right option for you if you cannot secure private or employer insurance and your income level is low. This program pays for medical costs that exceed a person’s ability to pay. To learn more about Medicaid in the state of Texas, visit there official website.