I have not tried to get SSDI, so am no help there, but others here have successfully filed for it. Someone will be along soon with information for you on the process. Even if you do get it, there is a two-year wait for the accompanying Medicare coverage.

I hope your insurance isn't tied to your used-to-be job. Do you know why they have denied the Simponi? There are a number of biologics available, so I'm hoping you have other options. What does your doctor say? How long have you been on Enbrel, and did it work for awhile?

I'm sorry you are in such a low spot. Having just been through job insecurity and a change, I know how scary it is. At least where I live, the economy has not recovered, and things are tight across the spectrum of job possibilities.

Do you have family, friends, some kind of support network?

I'm useless in terms of info for SSDI, but I did want to let you know that over the years I've come to learn that when one biologic doesn't work, others just might.

To be clear, are you talking about Simponi in addition to the Plaquenil and Enbrel, or in place of?

How long have you been on the current treatment plan?

I am Canadian, so I don't know anything about SSDI. I do know many people who have applied, and from what I understand, people are usually denied the first time or so, and after a few times they get it. I hope someone will be able to speak to that!

As far as Simponi, I don't understand why insurance won't pay for it. In Canad, they are the same price! Maybe different where you are. Plus in Canada, if a doctor approves it, then you get it.

Can you talk to your insurance about this? What about Medicare or those kinds alternative plans? I know a few people on it, because they could not work because of RA. So do look into it.

And as for freaking out! I hear you! This disease is painful and isolating. And it is complicated trying to get things figured out. Please send me a pm, and maybe we can talk a bit!

Welcome to the group, sad you had to find us. Google, "What not to say when filing for Disability." It's an excellent resource. The article actually focuses on what you "Should" say.

I was on Simponi for six months. I didn't have a problem getting it approved. Actually, my doctor wanted me on Orencia, but the insurance said I needed to try Simponi first.

I hope this all gets resolved soon.

Thank you all for your responses and taking the time to support me. I am on a Medicaid Ohio based insurance. This is for low income or disabled adults and families.

My doc wants me to come off of the current meds and go on Simponi infusions monthly. The insurance wants me to go on cheaper forms of treatments. So far I have been on so many of them. I have a list as long as my arm. I keep having flares that are just raging.

Enbrel has worked the best so far. Still not enough for me to live a halfway normal life. I missed so much work that I they had to let me go. I used up all my sick time and family leave. My last flare lasted almost as month. I was using a walker in the mornings and a knee brace and cane everyday.

My husband is being a jerk he thinks this is a joke. He feels I just need to move and get stronger. (rolling eyes).

I have to close now hands are getting tired of typing. Thanks to all and glad to be here.