I don't think that it is easy to receive social security disability benefits. You can go on the social security website and see if there is any information about HCV or check with an attorney who specializes in that field.

You might want to reschedule your appointment with a doctor who accepts your insurance. If you can find a clinical trial then treatment is free.

Best wishes, Nancy

Good info Tulsa. Yeah, I would definitely have a clear idea of what your covered benefits are first because once that bill hits you own it. The doc's offices don't always find out what's covered and then you don't wanna get stuck paying a hefty bill cuz you though a med, services or proceedure was covered. Also, be careful with studies, I foget who posted it here, but while the trial was free the residual cardiac issues it caused cost the person $30,000 in medical bills. I looked up SSI and SSDI and the way I interpreted you either have to have: #1: a medical condition that will result in death or #2: have a permenent disability. You can apply for SSI and SSDI and also apply for benefits through your state.

I have insurance and last year with my treatment and all the testing, biopsy, meds, my out of pocket costs for medical were a little over $10,000. It can be a nightmare.

I just had my labs drawn to check my thyroid and they made me sign a form that if my insurance does not pay, I will pay the $116.00.

That might be just another reason that added to my inability to complete the treatment. It is a drain on the whole family, which was killing me as I have a hard time valuing myself. So hard to watch those bills coming in.
Some drug companies will pay for the meds I have heard if you can't afford them.
I wish you the best of luck and I hope someone else has more info for you. Take care

In order to receive SSI disability, one must be completely incapable to care for oneself, ie drive, make food, (even a sandwich) laundry, bathe etc.....you more than likely will be turned down the first time...
I was......
........and like you, bago; I too have multiple physical illnesses.....

should you find the decision unfavorable, you have 60 days upon receipt of the denial.....to contest the decision and ask for a review...

if you are denied again, you will have to find an atty, and they will fight for you, generally you will get it w an atty, however, they get a monthly cut of your check as pymt for their services, for the length of your receiving SSI checks....

The pharma companies offer free meds (Incivek, Victrelis, Interferon, Ribavirin, Neupogen (wbc ) Procrit (rbs).....ALL for free with appropriate financial documentation.....the bar is high and you will qualify.......
there are teaching universities that will sponsor you and have the labs/visits forgiven.....gotta work at it and stress the indigence.....

if you need ANY assistance prvt mess me and we'll discuss more.....
hugs sweetie....jibs

even if you get approved for ssdi the medical insurance does not kick in until two years from the date that your disability was determined to have begun.
if you get ssi you may be eligible for state insurance right away

So much depends on the State you live in (even though its a Federal Program, how its administered varies from State-to-State).
I was very lucky and received SSDI first time out. Took about 6 mo. BUT, I had well documented issues other than Hep and was well over 50 yrs old (much harder to get if you're under 50). I did have to wait for 2 yrs and, in this State, its very hard to get Medicaid while you wait for Medicare. Other States don't seem to be quite as strict on their guidelines.
A Clinical Trial is another way to go but Sid is right that if something goes wrong, the Study may or may not recognize it as Study related and you could be stuck w/ a bill. I did a Trial and was very fortunate that I didn't have too many probs. One X-ray for a kidney stone that was clearly not Study related.
Good luck to you.

I was denied for ssdi the 1st time, then got a pro bono lawyer. I have a lot of medical issues, I did not even have to speak at the hearing. Judge went off medical reports and diagnosis'. I will be eligible for medicare in 2 yrs. I did investigate and there is a plan for workers w/disabilities insurance. All u need to do is state u r receiving minimum $5 a week for doing something. I watch my grand daughter once a week over night so my daughter filled out a piece of paper which stated that. Now, I get dental, rx and med coverage for $50 a month. To me, that's quite a bargain!
My lawyer explained that the closer u r to 55, the judge will usually rule in ur favor. I was a hair dresser and he stated I could not preform that type of job. Lawyer didn't cost a cent plus he got all in order including all medical records. All I did was show up for a few appointments and to the hearing. Tulsa is right, it's not easy to get ssi, easier to apply for ssdi. Good luck and if u have any questions, ask away! My rent is also prorated to my monthly ssdi check !!!! I'm in a good place now!

LUCKY nealy......
I do not know anyone but you who has gotten it on the first try, unless the illness makes one incapacitated....

and yes, i did leave out the 2 year wait.....my error.....

Go here and there is lots of educational materials and SSI disability info.

www.hcvadvocate.org

Awesome!