Helping Hands: A Social Security Disability Attorney Blog

MAINTAIN is an assistance program through Pfizer for individuals who are currently unemployed, uninsured and in need of medications. Eligible applicants will be able to receive free Pfizer medicines delivered directly to their door for a year or until they become insured again, whichever occurs first.

To eligible for the MAINTAIN program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Became unemployed on or after January 1, 2009


• Has been prescribed and taken a Pfizer medicine for at least 3 months prior to becoming unemployed and enrolling in the program


• Have no prescription coverage


• Can confirm that you are experiencing a financial hardship


• Live within the United States

If you believe that you are eligible for the program please act quickly!!! Applications for enrollment in MAINTAIN will only be accepted through December 31, 2010. To apply for Maintain, call 1-866-706-2400 to request an application or click here to download an application from their website. Once the application is completed, mail it to MAINTAIN along with proof of your unemployment.

Over 8,300 people are homeless in Cincinnati. Out of those 8,300, approximately 2,750 individuals find refuge at The Drop-Inn Center. It is Greater Cincinnati's largest homeless shelter that offers care and assistance to destitute men and women. Its goal is to reach out to those in need to achieve shelter and stability.

About ten years ago, a free medical clinic was opened at the center. According to the clinic, 40 percent of those who seek Drop-Inn's help are also in need of medical assistance. It offers primary care so that it can reduce the number of outgoing emergency calls. The clinic treats about 70 people per week.

The doors to Drop-Inn are open 24/7 and they are ready to assist those in need. They are located at 217 West 12th Street. You can reach someone there by calling 513-721-0643. If you or a loved one would like to learn more information about different medical conditions while searching for a clinic, visit our website.

Due to physical or mental limitations, many adults are unable to protect themselves from abuse by family and friends. There are many forms of abuse. In addition to the commonly known physical, emotional and sexual abuse, many limited adults are abused financially and often times neglected. Below are descriptions of various types of abuse:

Forms of Abuse:

Neglect occurs when the basic needs of a dependent adult are not met by a caregiver. Neglect may be unintentional, resulting from the caregiver's lack of ability to provide or arrange for the care or services the adult requires. Neglect also may be due to the intentional failure of the caregiver to meet the adult's needs.

Self-Neglect occurs when a dependent adult is unable to care for him/herself or to obtain needed care. The impairments result in significant danger to the adult and in some situations deterioration can occur to the point that the adult's life may be at risk.

Abuse (physical, sexual, and emotional) generally involves more extreme forms of harm to the adult, including the infliction of pain, injury, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or other cruel treatment.

Financial Exploitation occurs when a caregiver improperly uses funds intended for the care or use of the adult. These are funds paid to the adult or to the caregiver by a governmental agency.

If you know an adult who is being abused and are unable to protect themselves due to physical or mental limitations please contact the Tennessee's Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Adult Protective Services (APS). APS investigates reports and assesses the need for protective services of exploitation of adults who are unable to protect themselves due to physical or mental limitations. APS assists in securing shelter, transportation and counseling of those who are abused.

To report any form of abuse to adults with limitations please call the "Abuse and Neglect Hotline" at 1-888-APS-TENN (1-88-277-8366).

I came across the website: www.freemedicalcamps.com while searching for dental clinics. This website provides a variety of free clinics within the United States. Below is a list of a few clinics within your area. Contact the clinic nearest you for more information.

Hattiesburg Community Dental Center
66 Old Airport Rd.
Hattiesburg, MS 39403
Tel: 601-583-4800
They provide: Dental Care Services, Obstetrical and Gynecological Care, and Primary Medical Care

Coastal Family Health Center, Inc
1046 Division St.
Biloxi, MS 39533
Tel: 228-374-2494
They provide: Dental Care Services, Enabling Services, Mental Health/Substance Abuse Services, Other Professional Services, and Primary Medical Care

Central Mississippi Civic Improvement Association, Inc
3502 West Northside Dr.
Jackson, MS 39213
Tel: 601-364-5142
Dental Care Services, Enabling Services, Mental Health/Substance Abuse Services, Obstetrical and Gynecological Care, Other Professional Services, Primary Medical Care, Specialty Medical Care

Click here to visit the website to find more clinics in your area.

The County of San Bernardino offers free comprehensive health assessments through the Department of Public Health's Child Health and Disability Prevention program (CHDP). The comprehensive health assessments are for children, between the ages of birth and 18, who do not have health insurance and meet the income guidelines. CHDP contracts with medical providers located throughout San Bernardino County. The assessments include the following services:

• Growth and Development Check
• Immunizations
• Dental Screening
• Vision Screening
• Hearing Screening
• Nutrition Assessment
• Health Education
• Tobacco Education
• Testing for Anemia, Blood Lead, TB and others as needed
• WIC Referral for Children up to age 5
• Case Management, when necessary

For more information about CHDP or to find out if your child is eligible for the program call (909) 387-6280 or (909) 387-6359 TDD.

Although Breast Cancer Awareness month is weeks away, many organizations throughout the world seek to establish and maintain consciousness of the disease on a continual basis. I recently found an organization in Cincinnati who's vision is to empower women through opportunities, knowledge, services and hope. It's called the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund. Part of its mission is to enhance the lives of all women by promoting breast cancer awareness and education.

The Fund offers several programs to women throughout the year such as Mammogram Match and Cruisin' for a Cure. Mammogram Match provides funded mammograms and breast imaging services for low income, uninsured women. This is the only program in the Greater Cincinnati area that provides zero cost screening mammograms to women 30 years of age or older.

Uninsured women with a family income at or below 200% of the current federal poverty guidelines are eligible. However, some women with income above the poverty level guidelines may still qualify when other circumstances indicate severe financial hardship.
To request an application for Mammogram Match, call the confidential hotline at
1-866-557-PINK (7465). Once approved and a free mammogram is performed, a woman may need further evaluation. The Fund will cover a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound and a breast biopsy.

Cruisin' for a Cure is a newer program that transports women to and from their annual mammograms. You may have seen one of the Fund's pink vans cruising through the TriState area. Since breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, the American Cancer Society recommends an annual mammogram. Early detection can be one of the best defenses against breast cancer. Call 513-241-CURE (2873) to schedule transportation to your next mammogram appointment and bring a friend!

Over 20,000 businesses statewide are offering Ohio senior citizens discounts which have provided approximately two billion dollars in savings since 1976. Individuals who are over the ago of 60 as well as those ages 18-59 that have a disability (as defined by the Social Security Administration) are eligible to receive a Golden Buckeye card.

To prove eligibility due to a disability, one of the following documents is required:

• Medicare (not Medicaid) card
• SSDI acceptance documentation
• A copy of a document certifying permanent and total disability issued by any state department, Ohio public employee retirement system (STRS, PERS, etc.), or any federal retirement system

Most participating merchants display the Golden Buckeye logo on their door, window or at checkout. If you don't see it at your place of choice, ask if the business offers a discount for older customers. The purpose of the card is to thank older Ohioans for their patronage. The participating businesses do not receive compensation from the state.

The Golden Buckeye card also includes Ohio's Best Rx prescription drug discount program. Savings on prescriptions average 30 to 40 percent on prescriptions at more than 2,300 participating pharmacies are available to qualified individuals.

Ohio residents who have a current state driver license or State ID cards automatically receive a Golden Buckeye card during the month of their 60th birthday. Those who have a disability and are under the age of 60 are able to apply for a card at most public libraries and senior centers.

Free Prostate Cancer screenings are offered by the Mobile County Health Department now through Oct. 1,2010. The screenings will be available for insured or uninsured men between the ages of 40 - 75. Screenings are by aoppointment only at the following locaitons:
Adult Clinic
251 N. Bayou St.

Calcedeaver Clinic
1080 AA reservation Rd.

Citronelle Clinic
19250 N. Mobile St.

To schedule an appointment, call 251-690-8889.

I searched and searched for free clinics in Jackson, MS and finally found one. Jackson Free Clinic, which is a non-profit corporation, is operated by medical students from the University of Mississippi's Medical Center School of Medicine along with various students from other institutions. The clinic offers several inclusive services These services include, but are not limited to: physical exams, laboratory monitoring, medications and referrals. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 601-355-5161; they suggest that you leave your name and number and if possible call on Saturday between noon and 4 P.M.

I found a great program in southwestern Ohio that helps senior citizens each day. It's called the Council on Aging (COA) which is part of the national aging services network. It has been operating for over 40 years and specializes in providing services that help older adults remain independent at home, plan for needs in their future and promote health, security and well-being.

Taking a closer look at the different programs the council has, I learned that they offer assisted living, which is a long-term care option for low-income adults who prefer to live independently but who need care giving. COA offers access to affordable and reliable transportation for seniors. Financial assistance for low-income older persons with disabilities that allows them to live in a community based group home environment is also available.

Another great aspect of COA is that they provide more than 2 million meals to 10,000 homebound older adults in southwestern Ohio. The organization's website provides "Aging Topics A-Z" . Some highlights are:

• Clinics
• Food Stamps
• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
• Homeless Shelters
• Home-care Services
• Medicaid
• Prescription Discount Cards
• Tax Credits
• Utility Payment Assistance

Parents have a very important and vital role in their children's lives. However, this role is not always an easy task to manage, especially for parents of children with disabilities. Trying to find the assistance and resources needed to fully understand and provide proper and adequate parenting for their child can be stressful. However, there is help! This help is available through Parent to Parent of Georgia (P2P). P2P assists Georgia parents who seeking to find more resources, training and support to better provide for their child who has special needs. Parent to Parent of Georgia, also has a Family to Family Health Information Center (F2F). F2F is a free program that provides health information, training and support to families of children and youth with special health care needs. It also aids families in developing the skills necessary to cooperatively and effectively participate in planning and decision making in health-related issues for their child.

To receive further information regarding Parent to Parent services visit the P2P website or call 1-800-229-2038. If you are not a resident of Georgia and would like to find resources such as these in your area please visit Technical Assistance Alliance for Parents Center for further information.

For more information about recieving Social Security Disability benefits contact The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers for assistance.

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!

I found a great program for those who cannot afford the cost of adequate healthcare!

Located in Los Angeles, The Saban Free Clinic provides free high-quality and compassionate medical and dental care, social services and education and outreach to men, women and children in need. The Clinic has four locations throughout the Los Angeles area. Although each site has its own name, they are still operated by the Saban Free Clinic and provide adequate healthcare to those in need. Services offered by the Clinic include, but is not limited to:

Comprehensive Medical Care
• Primary, preventive and specialty care for adults and children
• Prenatal care/ Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Optometry
• Physical Therapy
• Pharmacy/Medications

Mental Health and Case Management
• Crisis intervention counseling
• Short-term therapy
• Shower facilities for homeless clients

Education and Outreach
• Health education, including chronic disease management and weight loss
• Sexual reproductive health education and counseling
• HIV counseling and testing

Dental Care
• Primary dental care for children and adults
• X-rays
• Cleanings and fillings
• Dentures
• Extractions

For more information on The Saban Free Clinic, please call 323.653.8622 or 323.653.1990.

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.

I found a great program for low-income, uninsured, or under-insured cancer patients!

At the request of physicians the state of Georgia established the Cancer State Aid Program (CSA) in 1937. Still in effect today, the CSA provides cancer treatment to uninsured and under-insured, low-income Georgians who have cancer and would benefit most from the treatment. Patients enrolled in the program receive treatment through agreements with hospitals, free standing radiation centers and a chemotherapy center. The cost of each patient's treatment is paid through state funding while local physicians donate their services.

In order to participate in this program, patients must:
• Be receiving, or be in need of "active" cancer treatment or have a condition that has been medically evaluated as highly suspicious of cancer;
• Have cancer that will benefit from treatment;
• Have an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG);
• Be uninsured or under-insured, lacking sufficient coverage for cancer treatment;
• Be a Georgia resident as well as a U.S citizen or resident alien;
• Be accepted for cancer treatment by a physician affiliated with a participating facility

Treatment services available to enrolled patients may include cancer treatments, services and prescriptions provided through inpatient and outpatient services at participating hospitals; approved freestanding chemotherapy and radiation centers; approved private or retail pharmacies, home health agencies and medical suppliers.
To apply patients must complete an application through the participating CSA facility from which their treatment is being received. The designated staff at participating facilities will assist each patient with the application and submit it on their behalf.

For more information on CSA call (404) 463-5111.