Health & Disability
44 articles · Page 1 of 3
SSA Compassionate Allowances: Fast-Track Disability Guide
Compassionate Allowances (CAL) is SSA's system for fast-tracking disability claims for conditions severe enough that they clearly meet SSA's disability standard. It currently covers over 300 conditions, mostly aggressive cancers, adult brain disorders, and rare diseases that primarily affect children.
Medicare Savings Programs: Help with Premiums
Medicare Savings Programs can help you pay for your Medicare costs. Find out what these programs are, who can get them, and how they can help you.
SSDI, SSI, and Medicaid: How They Work Together
SSDI can lead to Medicare, but usually only after a 24-month wait (exceptions: ALS and ESRD). SSI often leads to Medicaid, usually automatically depending on your state. You can qualify for both. And returning to work doesn't automatically end coverage. Plan ahead for the Medicare wait.
Bipolar Disorder SSDI: Do You Qualify for Disability?
Bipolar disorder is evaluated under Blue Book Listing 12.04. You can qualify by meeting that listing, or through SSA's Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment instead.
Medicaid Work Requirements Are Back — Here's How it Could Affect Older Adults
For millions of Medicaid recipients, even small administrative hurdles can mean losing coverage altogether.
What Happens to Medicare When People Are Living Longer?
Americans are living longer than ever, making Medicare planning more important for seniors and their families. Learn how rising life expectancy affects healthcare needs.
TrumpRx Prescription Website: What it Means for Drug Costs
TrumpRx is a new prescription website launching in 2026 that may help seniors and families compare prices and save on medications.
Should You Enroll in Medicare at 65 but Wait on Social Security?
Most people should take Medicare at 65 but wait to claim Social Security. Filing early cuts your monthly check forever, while delaying can boost your retirement income for life.
How to Sign Up for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace
Learn how to sign up for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace in 2025–26. Find deadlines, compare plans, and see how to get financial help for premiums and copays.
Here's How Special Enrollment Periods Work (And Who Offers Them)
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) let you apply for health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP outside normal deadlines. See when you qualify.
COBRA Alternatives: Cheaper Health Insurance Options After a Job Loss
COBRA too expensive? Learn about cheaper health insurance alternatives, including ACA marketplace plans, Medicaid, CHIP, and short-term options.
How to Sign Up for COBRA to Keep Your Health Insurance
Learn how to sign up for COBRA health insurance step by step, including deadlines, costs, and cheaper alternatives like Medicaid and ACA marketplace plans.
What is Medicare Advantage? We'll Explain . . .
Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, bundles hospital, medical, and often prescription coverage into one plan. It often costs less than Medigap and includes extras like dental and vision.
Here's How the $30 SSI Limit Works When You're in an Institution
If you're on SSI and enter a medical facility, your benefits may drop to $30 a month. Learn when the rule applies and how to report your stay to SSA.
How to Sign Up for Medicaid
Signing up for Medicaid is easier than you think. Apply online or through your state, share income and household info—coverage can be retroactive.
Is Medicaid the Same Thing as Medicare?
Medicaid and Medicare aren’t the same. Medicare is federal insurance for people 65+ or with disabilities, while Medicaid is state-run coverage for people with low income. Some people qualify for both.
How to Sign Up for Medicare
Learn how to sign up for Medicare step by step, including when to apply, what you’ll need, and how to avoid penalties.
Understanding the SSA Blue Book: Your Guide to Disability Benefits
The SSA Blue Book lists the medical conditions Social Security uses to evaluate disability claims. Learn how listings work and what evidence helps.