Patient's Corner
Financial, Legal, and Medical Resources

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS - INSURANCE - LIFE ISSUES
MEDICAID - MEDICARE - WILLS


GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

Social Security - Office of Disability Online
URL:http://www.ssa.gov/odhome/odhome.htm

Find out what benefits and programs are offered by Social Security to people with chronic illness and disabilities.

Social Security Office
URL:www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html

Phone:(800) 772 1213

This number can be used to get answers to questions about Social Security, disability benefits and Medicare. If you want this information in Spanish use: http://www.ssa.gov/espanol/espanol_home.html

Federal/State Rehabilitation Programs
These programs cover equipment that helps people perform their jobs. In many states, the rehabilitation agency retains ownership of equipment.

Veterans Administration
Equipment that is part of a medical or rehabilitation program may be paid for, depending upon whether the patient is eligible. The VA pays for equipment such as prosthetic, orthotic, mobility and transportation equipment when it finds such equipment necessary.

Miami Dade County Property Appraiser
URL: http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/pa/Forms/index.htm
Persons with disabilities partial or total, don't pay Real Estate taxes.


INSURANCE

Private Insurance
Coverage depends upon the terms of the contract. Some equipment is not covered, and equipment that policies do cover is often not described in the policy. Review policies carefully and discuss with the insurance carrier when the coverage is unclear.


LIFE ISSUES

A book called "Reflections" is a guide to End of Life Issues for you and your family, from National Kidney Cancer Association (847) 332 1051. Donations make free distribution of this book possible.

Choices in Dying
URL:http://www.choices.org
Phone:(212) 366 5540

Offers advice about making medical care decisions, and offers state –by-state legal forms for advance directives, including durable powers of attorney. You may download these free by computer, or order by mail for a small fee.

National Hospice Organization URL:http://www.nho.org
National Hospice Database, URL:http://www.nho.org/database.htm
Phone: (800) 658 8898
A nonprofit organization of hospices, professionals and volunteers. Has database of hospices by state.


MEDICAID

Coverage differs from state to state but usually follows Medicare policies. Most states pay for home medical equipment and many pay for prosthetic and orthotics. A growing number of states pay for communication aids. Medical necessity must be proven to qualify for assistance.


MEDICARE

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak to a Medicare Customer Representative.

Medicare Tools:

Link to Medicare Health Plan Compare Medicare Health Plan Compare
Compare health plans in your area.
Link to Nursing Home Compare Nursing Home Compare
Compare nursing homes in your area.
Link to Medigap Compare Medigap Compare
Locate supplemental insurance policies to cover expenses not paid by Medicare.
Link to Prescription Drug Assistance Programs Prescription Drug Assistance Programs
Includes programs that offer discounts or free medication to individuals in need.
Dialysis Facility Compare
Compare dialysis facilities in your area.
Link to Local Medicare Events Local Medicare Events
Includes events on Medicare related topics.
Link to Helpful Contacts Helpful Contacts
Find phone numbers and websites.
Link to Participating Physician Directory Participating Physician Directory
Locate Medicare participating physicians in your area.

WILLS
Advance Directives:

Advance Directives are statements written in advance of serious illness that state your choices for health care. You may also name someone to make medical choices if you become unable to make decisions. Through advance directives, often called "Living Will", you can ensure your wishes will be carried out, even if you are unconscious or cannot make your decisions known. You may request forms from your physician or social worker, and they will be made a part of your medical record.

Fact Sheet on Durable Power of Attorney
URL: http://www.caregiver.org/factsheets/care/attorney_powers.html

This fact sheet answers many of the questions you may have about durable power of attorney and living wills.

Fact Sheet:Finding an Attorney
URL: http://www.caregiver.org/factsheets/care/finding_attorney.html

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Phone: (520 ) 881 4005
This organization can provide information on living wills and durable power of attorney, as well as other legal issues.