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How To Reduce or
Eliminate Drug Cost

 March 7, 2008

By  Brian

Suffering from a condition or being disabled can certainly cause limitations and some real financial strain.   The good news is that there are government tax breaks to help ease the burden, they just don’t tell you about them!
 
That’s why you NEED to read this post, print it and put it in your income tax file so every year you can get a bit more Bling – Bling in your piggy bank!
 

When a person is facing life with disability, the phrase “that is not fair” disappears from their entire book of life phrases that apply to themselves. This is mostly because anyone living with a disability already knows it is not fair, and life will probably never be fair!

Laws have been passed trying to level the playing field for those dealing with disabilities against a cruel world and, hopefully, tomorrow’s leaders will see people, not disabled people.

Products and devices can make life easier, more fun and even provide better independence for those wishing to use those products and devices. Sometimes (most of the time) those products and devices are expensive, adding additional burdens to an already medically laden budget of the disabled.

Fortunately, tax time is one that could provide a bit of relief to those who must use/purchase those products and devices, from the smallest item to the largest, used to enhance their life. Keep in mind; these are things purchased to make life easier that many able-bodied people may take for granted as they go about their everyday life! You will learn more about this when take the upcoming FREE course called ‘How to Maximize Your Benefits!’

Examples of what would be tax deductable to a disabled person are listed below, but they must be items purchased in that same tax year.  These are deductable to the extent where it has exceeded 7.5 % of your income. For example, if your income is $24,000 per year, once your medical expenses have exceeded $1,800, you may start deducting the items as medical expenses.

These include:

= Medical insurance

= Drugs (including those to quit smoking, but not over the counter)

= Hospital and physician costs

= Mileage to/from appointments (IRS rate)

= Wheelchairs, walkers, special car controls, crutches

= Special communication (phones) for the deaf, hearing aids, Braille books & guide dogs for the blind

= False teeth, artificial limbs, eyeglasses, vision surgery

= Special schools for mental or physical disabilities, tutoring for a disability, physical therapy

= Meals and lodging for medical treatments, in-home care for an invalid, special in-home equipment

= Home improvements if made under medical orders 

If this sounds like something that will help you,then gather up all those receipts and slips of paper and get adding them up!

If you have not yet started to wind your way through the maze of disability, then join us to get FREE!! step-by-step directions on how to BLAST through the Social Security Brick Wall and win your disability income, don’t miss out click here to subscribe now!

Brian


Understanding Continuing Disability Reviews: Key Updates and Guidance


Welcome to our latest blog post where we delve into the critical topic of Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs), which are essential for individuals receiving disability benefits. The focus today is on recent statistics and personal anecdotes that highlight the ongoing importance of staying informed about CDRs.

What is a Continuing Disability Review?
A Continuing Disability Review is a routine process for individuals who have been approved for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts these reviews to determine if the health of a beneficiary has improved to the point where they can return to work, and thus no longer qualify for benefits.

Recent Case and Discussion
Recently, a case surfaced involving a person who had been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for end-stage kidney failure since they were 20. Despite their condition remaining unchanged, they received a notification of health improvement at age 50 and were at risk of losing their benefits. This situation underscores the unpredictability and significance of understanding the CDR process.

How CDRs Work
During a CDR, beneficiaries might be asked to complete a short or long form detailing their current health status. The forms are then reviewed, and if further information is needed, a full medical review may be initiated. It's crucial for recipients to respond promptly to any communications from the SSA to avoid complications or cessation of benefits.

Statistics and Trends
In 2022, approximately 1.5 million of the estimated 9 million disability recipients underwent CDRs. Of these, about 125,000 had their benefits terminated. These statistics reflect a consistent review rate, with an apparent annual increase in the number of reviews conducted, emphasizing the necessity for beneficiaries to stay vigilant.

Key Takeaways
Stay Informed: Always keep your contact information up to date and pay close attention to all correspondence from the SSA. Missing a notification or failing to respond can lead to benefit termination.
Understand the Review Frequency: Depending on the expectation of medical improvement, reviews may occur more frequently. Typically, conditions considered likely to improve are reviewed sooner and more often.

Prepare Adequately: If a review is scheduled, ensure all medical documentation is current and complete. Understanding the review process and preparing accordingly can significantly affect the outcome.

Seek Expert Advice: Engaging with professionals who specialize in disability rights and CDRs can provide crucial support and guidance. For instance, next week, we will feature an in-depth discussion with Attorney James Mitchell Brown, a veteran in the field of social security disability.

Conclusion
Continuing Disability Reviews are a standard part of the disability benefits process, but they can be daunting. By staying informed, prepared, and proactive, beneficiaries can navigate these reviews successfully. Remember, the goal is not only to retain benefits but also to ensure that the support aligns correctly with the individual’s current health needs.

Stay tuned for more updates and expert insights in our upcoming posts, and don't hesitate to reach out with your questions or for further information.

Brian


My name is Brian Therrien, and I'm a professional researcher. So when a number of my friends went through unexpected downturns in their life and required disability assistance, I left no stone unturned to try and help them.

At first, I was concerned with how to qualify for disability, ... but as I learned more about the system, I realized that people also really needed help with getting approved, maximizing their benefits, and most importantly, supplementing their income without losing their benefits when they were ready to transition back to the work force.

That's why when you subscribe to my FREE disability newsletter you'll get concrete help with ALL the issues you'll encounter in the disability system

Brian Therrien

related posts:


The Spoon Theory: A Real-Life Guide to Managing Energy with Chronic Illness


What To Do If SSA Surveillance Leads to a Mistake — And You’re Blamed for It


 Documenting Every Condition, Head to Toe

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