Allsup Releases Report on Healthcare Legislation Effects on People with Disabilities

Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security disability representations and Medicare Plan selection services, announced the release of data on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 and their effects on healthcare coverage for people with disabilities.

"Many of these healthcare provisions are desperately needed by people with disabilities who require but are unable to secure affordable medical treatment," said Paul Gada, personal finance director for Allsup who directs Allsup Medicare Advisor, a Medicare plan selection service for people with disabilities and individuals over 65.

According to a release, people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may have to wait months, even years, for their claim to wind through the process. Currently, there are more than 1.7 million people stuck in the SSDI backlog and awaiting a decision on their claim for benefits. These individuals often have limited or no source of income and few healthcare coverage options. In addition, more than 7 million people who rely on SSDI benefits are eligible for Medicare, following a 24-month waiting period.

"People with disabilities need continuous access to affordable healthcare coverage," said Gada. "They can't wait until they have SSDI income to finally pay for healthcare coverage or hold out the 24 months required before becoming eligible for Medicare."

The company said one key provision of healthcare legislation having a profound impact on millions of people with disabilities is eliminating the pre-existing condition clause.

"The high-risk insurance pools may offer some people a safety net if they've exhausted their COBRA coverage or were denied private coverage because of a pre-existing condition. However, more detail on how the pools will operate, how to enroll and costs are needed before people can determine their true value; it's troubling that individuals will have to wait six months to be eligible," said Gada.

"With the healthcare provisions, people with disabilities may be caught in a position where they're unable to afford a Medicare Advantage plan and unable to secure coverage under Medigap," said Gada. "It is going to be very important for people to carefully review their options when making enrollment choices for this year and beyond."

"All of these provisions have the potential of helping people with disabilities improve their healthcare coverage. However, more detail on how they will be carried out is needed to understand if they deliver," said Gada.