What to know about SSDI and epilepsy

On Behalf of | Nov 24, 2020 | Social Security Disability Insurance |

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes unpredictable seizures. People with epilepsy in California commonly get treated with medication, brain treatment, surgery and devices. If someone gets diagnosed with epilepsy and can’t work, he or she may be able to draw Medicare benefits.

Basics of epilepsy

People of all ages can be diagnosed with epilepsy. In 2015, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 3.4 million American adults and 470,000 children had epilepsy. The condition does not go away, and it manifests differently. It can cause memory loss, trouble sleeping, headaches, memory issues and mood disorders.

Some individuals may have seizures more frequently than others. The seizures usually cannot be predicted and are not caused by other factors, such as alcohol or an increase in blood sugar. Epilepsy is considered a disability because it may make certain activities risky and forces a person to make accommodations at home for safety.

When Medicare starts to cover epilepsy

People who are eligible for Medicare can get coverage for epilepsy. In most cases, the person has to be 65 or older, but he or she could qualify regardless of age. Recipients under 65 often draw Social Security Disability, and they automatically get signed up for Medicare after 24 months.

However, these cases have to be approved by the Social Security Administration, and a person has to meet qualifications. The condition has to keep someone from earning at least $1,260 monthly and greatly restrict his or her mobility for a year. If a person qualifies, he or she usually has to wait two years to draw the benefits and should receive his or her Medicare card in the mail.

Receiving Medicare for epilepsy helps reduce the costs of certain treatments, prescription drugs and tests. If a person feels he or she got unfairly denied SSDI, an attorney may be able to assist him or her.

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