Financial Resources For Those Who Have Experienced a Brain Aneurysm, AVM or Stroke
Anyone can experience a brain aneurysm. Every year around 30,000 people experience a ruptured brain aneurysm. And around 66% of those people have permanent neurological damage as a result. After a ruptured brain aneurysm most people are unable to work and are permanently disabled. When people who have suffered a brain aneurysm can’t work it can put them in a bad financial position where they can’t pay for any medical costs not covered by insurance. They also may struggle to pay for medications that they need or to pay for basic living expenses. But financial resources may be available to help.
Insurance Coverage for Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm happens fast and requires immediate emergency medical treatment. Unlike a disease where the treatment costs are largely based on scheduled appointments a brain aneurysm requires quick treatment at the ER and the costs for emergency treatment can add up fast. Insurance may not always pay the cost of the emergency treatment that people need during an aneurysm rupture.
Private Insurance
Typically a private insurance plan that one gets through their employer will cover routine medical care after a deductible is met. There are also co-pays for medical appointments, hospital stays, and some medical tests. But private insurance may not cover the cost of emergency treatment, especially if the closest emergency room is at a hospital that is not in the insurance company’s network. You also will probably still be responsible to pay for:
– Co-pays
– Out of network fees
– Ambulance fees
– Specialist fees
– Medical equipment
– Private care
– Deductible
You may qualify for grants or be able to get help from charities to cover any out-of-pocket costs that your insurance company doesn’t cover.
Medicare And Social Security Disability Benefits
Medicare may cover the cost of in-patient treatment or surgery for a brain aneurysm. But if the doctor prescribes medications to treat the aneurysm without surgery you will need Medicare D or a Medicare Advantage plan to help cover those costs.
If you can’t work because you experienced a brain aneurysm and now have permanent brain damage you can qualify for Social Security disability benefits as long as you meet the requirements listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. The requirements for a brain aneurysm can be found in Blue Book listing 11.04 which states that in order to be approved for disability benefits you must be able to show that you meet one of these requirements:
You have sensory or motor aphasia resulting in ineffective speech or communication persisting for at least 3 consecutive months after the insult.
OR
You have disorganization of motor function in two extremities resulting in an extreme limitation in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities, persisting for at least 3 consecutive months after the insult.
OR
You have a marked limitation in physical functioning in one of the following areas of mental functioning, both persisting for at least 3 consecutive months after the insult:
– Understanding, remembering, or applying information or
– Interacting with others or
– Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace or
– Adapting or managing oneself
You will need to be able to submit medical evidence, including medical reports showing that you meet these requirements. Emergency treatment records, surgical records, brain scans, and more should all be submitted with your application to the SSA.
Financial Assistance Programs And Grants for People With ALS
If you are left permanently disabled by a brain aneurysm and you need assistance paying for living and medical expenses these charities may be able to help:
The Patient Advocate Foundation which can connect people to local charities and resources.
The Brain Injury Association of America also has resources that can help.
Sources Found Via:
https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/glossary/social-security-blue-book
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/11.00-Neurological-Adult.htm#11_04
https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/blog/medical-report-cost
This article was written by the Outreach Team at Disability Benefits Help. They provide information about disability benefits and the application process. To learn more, please visit their website at http://www.disability-benefits-help.org  or by contacting them at [email protected].
