Posted by Barbara D. on June 03, 1999 at 00:00:06:
In Reply to: Whata you gona do now! posted by Lee M. on June 02, 1999 at 22:53:08:
Lee,
First of all, you need to discuss this with your doctor before you do anything else. (he can help or hurt you later). Then if he agrees you need to apply, call you local SSA office and ask them to send you a package to fill out and make an appointment for a telephone interview.
Fill out the paperwork (all of it!) make 2 copies of everything. Keep one for your records and send other copy to your Congressman with a letter telling him what you're doing and why (explaine how bad CH is to him - if you need help -e-mail me). After your phone interview you have to mail SSA your paperwork (or hand deliver it to make sure it gets there).
From here on in (approx 6 months) everything the SSA sends to you, send a copy to your congressman. Call your congressman (his aide actually) and discuss anything you don't understand or have a problem with. Anything else SSA sends you to fill out, do the same as above (2 copies of everything).
This is long and drawn out,but if you get your Congressman involved in the beginning, you'll probably have a much better chance of not having to appeal it.
After you're approved, it will be two more years before you'll be elgible for Medicare, but it will be available after that.
If you have any questions or need help with this e-mail me and I'll do what I can to help you.
Oh yes, before you start this, you'll need a certified birth certificate and if you were in the service a DD214. Have those ready before you call the first time. (Boy scout motto: Be prepared.)
Let me know how it goes.
Hugs BD