Just for pALS
*Important Updates for Patients with ALS*

Governor Crist Signs Legislation to Increase Access to Health Care

Beginning October 1, 2009, an important change will take place concerning Medigap Policies for patients with ALS. Governer Crist has signed legislation that will allow eligible Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities under age 65 to purchase Medigap policies. Prior to this legislation, Florida law only guaranteed Medicare supplemental policies to beneficiaries over age 65 enrolled in Medicare.

A Medigap policy is health insurance sold by private insurance companies to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare Plan coverage. Medigap policies help pay some of the health care costs that the Original Medicare Plan does not cover.

You can shop for a Medigap Policy that fits your needs by visiting the website of the Office of Insurance Regulation. The most up-to-date rates will be posted after the new change becomes effective on October 1, 2009.

Information taken from Medicare.gov and The Governor’s Press Office


Veterans with ALS Must File SOON for VA Benefits

Veterans with ALS and their surviving spouses should file to receive VA benefits very soon. That’s because you may not be eligible to receive back-dated benefits if you wait too long.

All ALS patients and surviving spouses who file to receive VA benefits on or before September 23, 2009 will be eligible to receive back-dated benefits from September 23, 2008 (the date the ruling was finalized) through the present date. However, if you wait until after the September 2009 deadline to file your claim, you will not be eligible to receive any back pay and will only be compensated following the date you filed the claim.
For assistance in filing for VA benefits, contact Nancy Baily at 888-257-1717 ext 105 or nbaily@alsafl.org.