Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis can be disabling, and as such are considered a disability by the Social Security Administration. Many patients apply for social security disability Insurance (SSDI) or supplemental security income (SSI) when they are unable to work due to illness in order to supplement their income. Unfortunately, more often than not, these claims are denied by the Social Security Administration, forcing Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis patients to go through the arduous process of reapplying for benefits and then appealing the decision with the court system, all the while living with a financially burdensome disease and having little to no income. This happens time and time again and takes months for IBD patients to receive SSDI and SSI benefits because inflammatory bowel disease is not included on Social Securitys Compassionate Allowance List of illnesses. The Compassionate Allowances initiative allows the expediting of SSDI and SSI disability claims for applicants whose medical conditions are so severe that they obviously meet Social Securitys definition of disability. There are more than 225 diseases already included on this list currently; however, Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis are not. Every year, the Social Security Administration convenes hearings to add new illnesses to this list. The White House must urge the Social Security Administration to convene a hearing to add inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, to its Compassionate Allowance initiative in order to expedite the approval of critical government assistance for patients living with these incurable digestive diseases. Despite the constant pain and worry that Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis patients live with, many can and do lead full and productive lives. Unfortunately, when these diseases flare, they can have a significant impact on the quality of life for patients, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Flares of Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis make it difficult for patients to lead regular lives. Oftentimes, they end up hospitalized due to complications such as intestinal blockages, perforations, infections, and malnutrition. Additionally, surgical intervention is often necessary to treat these complications, leading to lengthy hospital stays and bouts of time out of work and school. Stand in solidarity with patients with inflammatory bowel disease everywhere and sign this petition calling on the White House to take action here! https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/urge-social-security-administration-add-crohn’s-disease-ulcerative-colitis-its-compassionate/hKmNg13f
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 23:21:38 +0000
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