Getting Reimbursed for Natural Treatments for Those on Disability

[Guest guest]

Getting Reimbursed for Natural Treatments for Those on Disability "

http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/cost.htm

 

Attention Members,

 

For years I have asked the people at my local Social Security Office if I

could deduct the amount I spend on orthomolecular therapy and chiropractic care

from my earnings. The answer was always " No " .

 

Finally, a few months ago they calculated that I had made a little too much

money in 2004 and stopped my benefits and sought to recover a whole year's

worth of " overpayments " .

 

This severe financial crunch motivated me to look at the actual Social

Security Law. It plainly sates that any expense for items that are " Reasonable

and

Necessary " may be deducted from earnings when calculating if work activity was

" substantial and gainful " . The Social Security Law says nothing about

orthomolecualar therapy. Apparently the local office was referencing Medicare

regulations, which do specifically mention that orthomolecular therapy is not

covered.

 

 

I filed a " Request for Reconsideration " and supplied receipts for the

supplements I had purchased, the hair tests I had done and my chiropractic

costs. I

also obtained a letter from my doctor (GP) in which she states that my

supplements should be considered " reasonable and necessary " and that she had

referred

me for chiropractic care. My request was approved and my benefits have been

reinstated.

 

What does this mean for the many who work under Social Security and use

orthomolecular therapy? In 2005, anyone on SSD can earn up to $830/mo. and still

obtain full benefits. If you have supplement expenses of $200/mo., then you can

earn up to $1030/mo. and stay under the " substantial and gainful " level.

 

You could spend thousands at Pfeiffer Clinic, and pay for it by working,

without affecting your SSD benefits, Medicare, etc.