Helping Hands: A Social Security Disability Attorney Blog

I came across a website that can be beneficial for those who may not be able to afford their prescriptions needed to aid a possible illness or disability. Hamilton County, OH is offering a discount prescription card in which citizens can receive an average of 20 percent in savings or 30 percent on generic medicines. There isn't an enrollment fee and you don't have to fill out any forms, however, there are income and medical condition restrictions.

Although the card is not an insurance card, it provides a way for people to receive prescriptions that aren't covered under their insurance. Therefore, insured and uninsured individuals are encouraged to apply.

9 out of 10 pharmacies nationwide accept the discount card. If you aren't able to make it to the pharmacy due to an illness or disability, you can ask to receive your prescriptions in the mail. Call 1-877-321-2652 to receive the FastStart℠ service. You can also print a mail service form from online and follow a few easy instructions.

Once you received approval for the card, you may pick it up at the county's Job and Services Department, branches of the Public Library of Cincinnati, YMCA branches, the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio and many social service agencies in the area. You can call 513-946-1010 for more information. As soon as you receive your card, it'll be ready to use!

Cuyahoga County is offering children ages zero to 19 a program that provides free health insurance for low to moderate income families. Eligibility is determined by the number of people living in one household and its total income. Children with mental and/or physical disabilities are eligible for the service. Healthy Start can be used by those who are insured, uninsured or underinsured. If you have medical bills, Healthy Start will pay for them for three months after you were initially billed.

Health care under this program is provided at some of the area's top hospitals and doctor office's. Those who qualify will be able to receive a number of heath care services including:

• Regular checkups


• Immunizations


• Dental care


• Eye care


• Prescriptions


• Hospitalization


• Emergency care


• Prenatal and/or postnatal services

If you don't live in Cuyahoga County, don't worry! Healthy Start is part of the State Insurance Children Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). You can call your local county Human Services agency and ask about the free health insurance program.

California Children's Services (CCS) is a state program for children, up to 21 years of age, diagnosed with certain diseases or health problems. Through this program participants are connected with doctors and trained health care professionals skilled in caring for children with special health care needs. The program provides diagnostic and treatment services, medical case management and physical and occupational therapy services. If authorized, CCS also arranges, directs and pays for medical care, equipment and rehabilitation services.

To be eligible for CCS participants must be under 21 years of age, a California resident and have a CCS-eligible medical condition. Participants must also have one of the following:

A family income of $40,000 or less
Out-of-pocket medical expenses expected to be more than 20% of families AGI
A need for an evaluation to find out if there is a health problem covered by CCS
Adopted a child with a known health problem covered by CCS
Show a need for the Medical Therapy Program
Have Medi-Cal with full benefits
Have Healthy Families Insurance

For a list of CCS-eligible medical conditions and to learn more about the program call 916-445-4171.

I came across a health care insurance plan that covers children from birth to 19 years of age. This program may assist individuals, along with their family, whose waiting for their Social Security benefits to process.

The Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) is designed to provide health care insurance for children in families without health insurance or with inadequate health insurance. Eligibility for CHIP is based on household income and the age of each child. There are no premiums or deductibles; however there may be a small co-payment for some services for higher-income families on CHIP. The application process is simple. All you have to do is fill out the application, take it to the Medicaid Regional Office nearest you and let one of the trained staff members assist you in completing the process. Remember to take proof of your family's income, original birth certificates for each child and the social security numbers of each person applying.

For more information about CHIP call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) or contact Mississippi Division of Medicaid:

550 High Street Suite 1000
Jackson, MS 39201-1399
Tel: 601-359-6050
Web:www.medicaid.ms.gov/chip

For more information on Social Security benefits contact the Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers.

During this year's flu season, Californians in the Los Angeles area will have service to several free clinics available. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008), "Every year in the United States, on average: 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and about 36,000 people die from flu". Children, the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with certain health conditions are at a higher risk for serious flu complications.

So I wanted to find some information regarding free/ low cost care. The following United Way partners can give you free/ low cost access to healthcare services:

Venice Family Clinic
604 Rose Ave., Venice, CA 90291
Appointment Line: (310) 392-8636
General Administration: (310) 392-8630

Saban Free Clinic (formerly LA Free Clinic)
(323) 653-8622

Eisner Pediatric & Family Medical Center
1530 South Olive

Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 747-5542

Samuel Dixon Family Health Center Newhall Center
(661) 291-1777

Wilmington Community Clinic
1009 N. Avalon Blvd.
Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 549-5760