Republicans Target Disabled, ....again! (Get angry!)

Last night, CBS Evening News ran a story (link below) on fraud among those collecting Social Security Disability benefits. Replete with purposely incendiary videos, showing two different supposedly disabled people doing things they said they could not do (one, was a beauty pageant contestant, the other, participated in wrestling matches). The entire story was geared to fire up major indignation among viewers, and was skillfully produced to raise maximum ire.

Lo and behold, during the latter part of the segment, appeared Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), looking indignant as hell (as only a reptile-Republican can), demanding that the Social Security Administration Inspector General audit the government's disability programs, focusing on fraud. It is estimated that the fraud costs taxpayers over $10 billion dollars per year.

This is not the first time the Bush administration has gone after the disabled. From almost the moment Bush stole office, the Social Security Administration has been on a mission to cut as many people from its rolls as possible, no doubt, in an effort to try an balance their budgets and tax cuts for the wealthy on the backs of the poor and disabled.

While I am all for catching those who commit fraud and abuse the program, there has been a systematic harassment of those requiring Social Security disability benefits, that has left many disabled hurting, confused, and devastated. The periodic review process all disabled must go through that participate in Social Security programs, has become an even more onerous, complex, and adversarial process than it normally is, during the Bush administration. Off the record, several Social Security employees have stated to me that their marching orders are, "Cut, cut, cut!", in what amounts to an attack on some of the country's most needy and hurting citizens.

Several people I know have had their benefits cut, despite being legitimately, and genuinely disabled, and have had to go through lengthy appeals processes, involving lawyers (who then take major portions of their already meager benefits), and multitudes of hostile doctors and laconic administrative hacks. The effect on these disabled people, was horrifying. Many lost their only income and means of support, as well as their Medicare benefits, leaving them without medical care of any kind, all while fighting horrific and debilitating illnesses. Several, overcome with a sense of helplessness and stress, have become even more ill, thanks to the Orwellian efforts of the administration.

Still more proof, as if anymore were needed, of the blatant disingenuousness of the "compassionate conservative" mantra of the Republican Party, and of their "chicken-shitness", that they would target America's most vulnerable and ill in such a manner. And, it certainly doesn't end there. Whether it's closing schools, cutting funds for the hungry and children's programs, or leaving the homeless to suffer the coming winter in a garbage dumpster, the greed and vacuousness of the Republican Party is cutting this nation's heart out.

Yours in solidarity,
Flying Pig

Link to the CBS News article: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/09/30/eveningnews/printable575872.shtml

:grr:
!!!

somewhere out there is a poor person who isn't really as disabled as they say! fraud! get 'em!

And I would bet the amount the "corporateers" have stolen through off-shore scams, tax avoidence, and outright fraud, pales (understatement) in comparison. Ken Lay, Ebbers, and the rest, must read articles like this, and laugh, as they have their morning mimosas in the manicured gardens of their palaces.

are both on disability. My husband has MD and wears braces. He has a very hard time walking. I have a degenartive joint disease and also have a hard time getting around. Last year after being on disability for only a little over a year I got a letter stating that my case had been picked for review. I thought that's ok because I have nothing to hide and I will go see their doctor that they wanted me to see.

My family took me and I'm glad because the doctor they sent me to scared me so badly I was shaking the whole way home. My family dropped me off I went into his office myself while my family had some errands to take care of.

When I went into the office it was unreal. There was NRA crap all over the walls and a big poster of Bin Forgotten with a bulls-eye on it on the door. Another wall had pictures of this imbicile doctor and his gun. Then of course was a big picture of Charlton Heston. I almost fainted. They even had applications on the table for the NRA.I started shaking and crying I was so scared.

His assistant or whatever she was(gross and dirty looking) asked me to come back to the room where he would check me out. It too, was dirty and gross looking, junk piled everywhere. I was shaking so bad I could hardly think. Then this little obnoxious man came in and starting asking me questions. By that point I could hardly speak and wished someone, anyone was with me. He was so rude to me, you would not have believed it. I could tell he thought I was a terrible person for being there. Every time he asked me a question he made incinuations about lying. I wasn't lying about anything.

All I can say is I felt violated by this man and the way he treated me. I really felt I was in danger that day.I hope one day he is treated the same way, with absolutely no respect.I regret now that I did not report him to someone. I cried the whole way home. NO ONE should ever be treated that way.

My saying is what goes around, comes around.

The ugly days are back. Then every mentally ill or retarded person was just "faking" it, and psychiatrists and neurologists were paid big bucks for a consultation that proved the person was just "faking."

I'm mostly on disability because of Depression. There is already so much stigma attached to this. Will they decide I'm not "really disabled"? It's not like I get a huge sum of money to begin with.

be prepared for what may be a more contentious review process. Social Security usually reviews disability claims every two years, I believe, and with what's going on, expect more scrutiny. The best thing you can do, is try to ascertain when your review date is due, and then be prepared, and have all your ducks in row, including your own doctors.

With luck though, the Republicans may be dealing with so much scandal here shortly, they may not have time to mess with it much more. I would say that the majority of SSA employees are Democrats, and can't wait for this bunch of assholes to get the boot! So, keep your chin up!!

:grouphug:

disability benefits, I cannot believe that there are that many people defrauding SS. A relative has been totally disabled for severe respiratory problems (in addition to other physical problems) and it took her three years to get benefits. I can only imagine what would have happened to her if she had not had family to help. When you are disabled, have no income, and have severe medical problems - it's a bit difficult to get medical care, buy food, and have a place to live. Most people work very hard to find a way to earn a living in order to keep those things and avoid having to apply. That a few get through the system and get disability fraudulently is not surprising - there are morally bereft people among us. Whether corporations and elected officials rip us off or a few poor people, it is still ripping us off (although supposedly somehow worse when a poor person does it).

system. But that's not what this is about. It's about cutting the roles, and shrinking the budgets of the SSA, in the Repuglican effort to kill it all together, or at least divert the money to their pet programs, like war.

We were thinking of applying for SS disability for our daughter who suffers with Bi-Polar Disorder.

I'm to the point of forgetting about it because of the horror stories that I have heard, but what recourse do we have? What do people with limited means do??? Lock her up in the attic like in the "good old days"???

This breaks my heart............I'm also so worried about her losing her health insurance. It is life or death for my child without her meds.

If her doctors confirm that she has a solid disability case (ask them up front yourself, as they will be supplying you with the evidence and statements you'll need to file), then file. Wait a couple of months, and then contact your congressional representatives and ask for their help in getting speedier processing for your claim. This can help a lot. A phone call to the SSA from a congressperson, can greatly speed a claim. But get busy on it now, as the whole thing is a time consuming process, regardless. Good luck...

F.P.

Yes, her doctors think she has a strong case. You've given me some motivation: Thanks and thanks, too, for the good wishes. We need them.

her meds. Please be aware, that the SSA disability/Medicare programs DO NOT cover most prescriptions. If she by chance loses her regular insurance, you will end up paying cash for them in the future, unless Congress gives a drug benefit to Medicare.

if an adult child was declared disabled before his/her 18th birthday and can be claimed as a dependent on the parent's income tax then he/she can still be carried on the parent's group health insurance (if any exists). If your child is disabled contact the benefits representative at your workplace and ask about adding him/her to your plan.

Adults who are declared disabled may possibly be eligible for Medicaid and can receive prescription drugs through Medicaid.

tax forms, a major problem the government finds is improperly filled out forms. "Check your work," as you were always told in school. Be sure to give SSA all the info they need: the names of all doctors, plus their correct addresses and phone numbers. Having this disorder or that disorder doesn't qualify someone -- it's not a matter of "Oh, Ms. A has disease X and that qalifies her. What qualifies someone is demonstrating that whatever disorder they have prevents them from working, and how it prevents them from working.

Does she have 40 quarters of earned income credited to her Social Security Account? If she doesn't have 40 qtrs she will not be elible for SSA-D. However, do not despair. When you apply for disability for her make sure you also apply for SSI. SSI is Supplemental Security Income and is basically a "welfare" benefit for disabled indviduals under the age of 65 yrs who do not have enough qtrs to qualify for SSA-D. Be Sure to APPLY FOR BOTH! They won't tell you all your options so you need to know.

If she qualifies for SSA-D she cannot get Medicare until she has been on disability for 2 yrs! (Go figure!) However, she could qualify for some type of medicaid benefit depending on the amount of the check and the state she lives in.

If she qualifies for SSI she will automatically received Medicaid which will cover most of her drug expenses. SSI pays a low monthly amount to live on but the medicaid is the greatest benefit and many persons would rather have the SSI for just that reason.

Documentation of the disability will be critical. You and the family will have to complete a "Supplemental Application for Mental Disability". It is very detailed but please be sure to answer every question in excruciating detail. It is very important to document the mental disability. Finally if you can afford it up front hire yourself a good SSA Attorney to help shepherd you and your daughter through the process. Many do charge relatively reasonable prices. I think the attorney does convey to the agency that the client will not be f***ed with.

I know all this because for years I worked in this field. Also, sad to say about 10 yrs ago my brother had to go on SSA-D becuase of both physical and mental disability so I've been on both sides of the fence.

I'm still in the process, and even their doctors are surprised I was working as long as I was. Maybe since I am still living indoors, I'll be disqualified...

way, contact your congressional reps, and ask for help. That is part of their job, to represent the interests of their district's voters. They can be amazingly effective, if you can get them on your side. Make an appointment to talk with someone in their offices, and bring copies of your medical reports. You might be surprised. I've seen cases resolved, in the claimants favor in as little as two weeks, after taking such action. Good luck.

Seems a little like Germany @ late 1920's.

Same old story of man's inhumanity: Attacking those who are the least able to defend themselves. Jesus would never condone these greedy, selfish, and controversial Conservatives. They are not on our side.

Our side being populated by people like Ghandi, Martin Luther King, and Paul Wellstone, our side is the only side to be on. Our side shall inherit the Earth.

being overcharged by goodness knows how much for underpar services by Haliburton under a nobid contract... no problem...

They go after those with the least - and that which is likely to net the smallest amount in recouped money due to fraud - while looking for ways to hide unaccountable HUGE amounts of dollars (eg the newly revealed Rumsfeld requested slush fund at a base in Florida).

Sick.

This one's a keeper.

When I first went to work for the Dept. of Human Services in Tennessee in 1978/79 SSA was cutting a lot of people off their disability and denying just about everyone routinely. I saw some heartbreaking instances of just out and out cruelty. Many appealed and most who did appeal either had their benefits reinstated or approved. For many it was too late. By the time their appeals were granted they were dead.

Many didn't appeal their denial of benefits because in many instances they couldn't affort it and often were really just to sick to have the energy to fight for their rights.

This is paying for bushco's war on the backs of those least able to carry the load, while the rich get more breaks than they will ever need.

their screw-the-sick-and-poor agenda. Did they show legitimately disabled people as well? Did they discuss the pittance that SSDI pays to those with benefits? I don't understand how anyone lives on $700-800 a month and yet many must do just that. As you pointed out, Medicare/Medicaid do not have prescription benefits, and thus much of the disability income payment must go for medications, reducing income left for food, rent, clothing to perhaps $500
a month. Peopl have no idea of the reality.

Write to CBS news about this, urge them to help the disabled, not the rich.

He had HIV and was petrified that when his case came up for review in 2000 he would be required to go work at McDonalds (unfortunately he did not live to have a second review).

No longer is the review done to determine whether the disabled person can work at the career for which they trained (in my friend's case a high level IT troubleshooter for a multinational financial company) but whether the disabled person work at ANY occupation. if it is determined by a bureaucrat that the disabled person can do any job (Wal-Mart, KMart, a grocery store clerk etc) then as I understand it, any additional benefit would be rejected. This is what worried my friend, he knew he would not be able to make it in any other job.

May he rest in peace.


:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

BEFORE he stole the presidency.

While he was governor, he had 17 people in wheelchairs arrest and put in jail for.............. protesting his opposition to the ADA and the Omstead Act.

http://www.jfanow.org/cgi/getli.pl?1017

His budget cutting for most states has left many w/o aid for the disabled. When meds were cut in my county, seven people committed suicide, one in his caseworker's office.

He wants us to die, yet his fucking AG won't keep his stinking ass out of our Death w/Dignity law.

Oh yeah, and we can not use medical marijuana for pain, leaving us to die slowly and in pain.

which is inoperable. She is slowly losing all function in her body from the waist down and needs a cane to shuffle to the bathroom to change her diaper. She makes $1800 a month which is taxed, so she receives roughly $1350 net to live on. There are the people the Rethugs are targeting. They have a sadistic bent to cull the population and eliminate the "slackers", or better yet, "survival of the fittest".


If any of you do one thing this year, write your representatives and don't let this be overrun by the Rethugs. You could be in my ex's position some day.