From the beginning, the Social Security Administration has defined Huntington's Disease as a movement disorder only. However the chorea is only one symptom of the disease. More often than not, chorea usually appears in the latter stages. It is usually not one of the first symptoms of the disease. Instead, there are other issues first. The cognitive problems and mental issues associated with Huntington's Disease are just as problematic and make their appearance much earlier in the progression of the disease. These cognitive and mental problems can make it difficult to keep a job. Unfortunately, the SSA didn't recognize those as part of the disease and made it difficult to get approval for disability at a time when a person really needed it.
That all changed on July 1st.
On July 1st, the Social Security Administration adjusted the criteria for Huntington's Disease. It now recognizes that HD is so much more than just the chorea. It is mental issues. It is cognitive problems.
What does this mean?
It means that the new rules that go into affect on September 29th will make it a bit easier for the people around the country that find themselves in a position of no longer being able to work because of the way HD has begun its attack on a body. It also helps many of the other neurological diseases out there.
Read full details Here.
But, the fight is not yet over. Even though it is easier to get approved for Social Security Disability, a person with HD still has to wait two years before Medicare kicks in. Part of living with this disease is to receive the proper care and assistance. This might mean medication or some sort of assisted care depending on how far along a person is in the disease. Waiting two years for Medicare can honestly be a difference of life or death in some of these people. It is important that we continue to work to change this as well.
For today, though, we will celebrate a huge victory in the battle against Huntington's Disease.
But, the fight is not yet over. Even though it is easier to get approved for Social Security Disability, a person with HD still has to wait two years before Medicare kicks in. Part of living with this disease is to receive the proper care and assistance. This might mean medication or some sort of assisted care depending on how far along a person is in the disease. Waiting two years for Medicare can honestly be a difference of life or death in some of these people. It is important that we continue to work to change this as well.
For today, though, we will celebrate a huge victory in the battle against Huntington's Disease.
