Spinal cord injuries can have devastating effects on the victim as well as their family. Your loved one may experience physical and emotional pain for years after a spinal cord injury. In addition, they might face financial issues, since spinal cord injuries can be very expensive. Consider the initial medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and fees for continued treatment and lifestyle changes. These finances can be overwhelming and can have a big impact on your family. Luckily, there are programs designed to offset these costs. I will discuss these health coverage options on this page.
Medicare
In addition to traditional health insurance, Medicare can assist with bills related to spinal cord injuries. You might commonly know Medicare as a health coverage service for those over the age of 65. However, Medicare also offers health care for those under 65 who have certain injuries, such as spinal cord injuries.
Medicare will provide medical insurance and health insurance to those facing certain disabilities and injuries. Medical insurance will help pay for medical supplies and equipment, outpatient services, and additional health services. Health insurance will cover nursing facility services, hospital care, hospice care, and home health services.
If your loved one needs help paying for bills related to their injury, consider Medicare to help.
Social Security Disability Insurance
Those who have paid their social security taxes and been in the workforce long enough might be eligible for social security disability insurance. People can earn up to four credits towards this program per year. The amount of credits needed to qualify for assistance will depend on your loved one’s age when they became disabled. Generally, 40 credits are needed to get social security disability insurance. However, younger people could qualify with less credits.
Qualifying for social security disability insurance means that your loved one meets the following requirements:
- They have a condition that meets the definition of disability outlined by social security
- The disability is expected to last at least a year or result in your loved one’s death
- Your loved one must have worked for a period of time long enough to earn the necessary credits
Cash benefits will be offered until your loved one is able to return to work, if they qualify. Work incentive programs allow for continued health coverage and other benefits to help your loved one transition back to work.
Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program (BSCIP)
This program offers primary services to those who have suffered a spinal cord injury. In addition, your loved one might qualify for:
- Acute care services
- Assistive technology
- Adult companion services
- Community support coordination
- Personal care assistance
- Life skill training
- Medical supplies
- Rehabilitative services
You can look into this program more if you think that it can help your loved one.
Getting Help
Helping your loved one through a spinal cord injury means helping them emotionally and financially. Few people have the money to pay for spinal cord injury care outright. Make sure to review your loved one’s health coverage to see what their insurance will pay for. You can also consider the programs and options listed here to help ease the financial burden. For further assistance with your loved one’s situation, you can contact my office. I can answer any questions that you have and help you determine the best payment options for your family.
