Reply #4: I'd like to see that change.... [View All]

[Steven_S]

The system should work for everyone the way it worked for me.

After the ALS diagnosis I waited five months before filing for anything. This was the "spend-down" period. I had my Medicare card in my hand in five weeks and a Medicaid card in 7 weeks. They even back-dated my disability 5 months to the actual date that I couldn't work anymore. The automatic deposits started the following month.

The case worker at the SS office even followed up with a phone call to see how I was doing and to remind me to file SS for my 12 year old son.

My point is that you shouldn't have to have a terminal illness like ALS to get help right away. The system could work for more people if they wanted it to.