Alison smiles at the camera
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Lessons learned from 2020

So it’s once again time for A Chronic Voice’s monthly linkup. This month’s words are beginning, symbolizing, enduring, revealing, gracing. As it is January, I’m going to write about the concepts these words bring up for me and what lessons I’ve learned from 2020. Beginning the new year with new medication coverage The headache started in…

woman(Alison) leaning against a tree
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Being your own boss on disability: mastering your destiny

As I’ve mentioned on previous posts, you can work while on SSI or SSDI. There are programs, like Ticket to Work and Vocational Rehab programs that can help with the process. However, the reality is that while they can give you information about working, they often are only prepared to help you with calculations related…

The challenge of selecting your best healthcare plan
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The challenge of selecting your best healthcare plan

Open Enrollment is starting soon, and with all of the shakeups that have come with this year, you may be dealing with a different or new set of decisions to make in regards to your or a family member’s participation in the US healthcare system. If you aren’t sure what type of plans may be…

shrub maze, on the path looking at the center of the maze
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Navigating the Charity Care Labyrinth

As of July 27, 2020, I am elated to announce that I am no longer in debt to my local hospitals. I’m also very angry that it’s taken as long as it has. To give you some background: I have Functional Neurological Disorder(FND), which is a relatively common (but rarely properly diagnosed) neurological condition that…

the word 'health' spelled out using medication in blister packs, with a stethescope between the 't' and 'h'
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How does Medicare work and how do I get it?

We are now approaching the beginning of the open enrollment period for Medicare. The enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. This is the time period where we can finalize our plans, adjust our coverage if necessary, and commit to the coverage, and type of coverage, that we will receive for the following year….

Medicare (dis)Advantage: Why Medicare Advantage plans don’t live up to the name
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Medicare (dis)Advantage: Why Medicare Advantage plans don’t live up to the name

Medicare Advantage is an alternative to original Medicare.  The name is disturbingly misleading. It isn’t actually Medicare, and often getting it puts the client at a disadvantage. What do I mean? Well, Medicare Advantage Plans are really private insurance plans that replace original Medicare. They do not need to follow Medicare’s rules and while aspects of…

How will moving affect my disability benefits?
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How will moving affect my disability benefits?

One of those huge changes in life is moving from one home to another. When you’re living with a disability, the need for accommodations may require you to move for your own safety, or changes in your financial situation may require you to move to different(often less expensive) housing. Sometimes, some of us may even…

Can you get SSI and SSDI?
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Can you get SSI and SSDI?

It is possible to get both Supplementary Security Income(SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance(SSDI), but you probably do not want to be in the position of needing to be eligible for both.  The reason I say this is because while SSDI is based upon disability and work history, SSI is a program specifically for people who…