When trying to obtain disability benefits from the Social Security Administration for a mental illness, doctors visits are essential. The court needs to see that the claimant has been visiting a doctor and receiving treatment while not able to work.
Unfortunately for many who suffer, a recent report from the American Mental Health Counselors of America found that more than a half million adults with serious mental illnesses were not able to visit doctors due to a lack of resources and ineligibility for Medicaid.
A study by AMHCA found that an estimated 568,886 adults aged 17 through 64 were unable to get treatment for their mental illness. To add insult to injury, this likely means that they would not be approved for SSA disability benefits.
Joel Miller, AMHCA’s executive director, said that if all states provided Medicaid coverage, as the option for the Affordable Care Act is available, “the health of hundreds of thousands of people would be improved.”
In Illinois, a mere 31 percent (or 15,584 people) of the uninsured people with a severe mental illness were eligible for Medicaid. AMHCA said those who do not get treatment often end up in jail or homeless. AMHCA found that the majority of those who were mentally ill and wanted treatment were between the ages of 18 and 34 years old, showing that age is not a discriminating factor.
Added coverage for those suffering mental illnesses would not only help people get the treatment they need, it would likely save the U.S. taxpayers a lot of money due to a reduction in homelessness and the incarcerated population.
Claimants seeking SSA disability benefits who struggle to obtain appropriate treatment should still attempt to seek counseling services through social workers. Often times, their notes and reports can be valuable evidence in helping to obtain benefits .
The Law Offices of Harold W Conick & Associates, Ltd. is highly skilled in successfully presenting supportive medical evidence for disability.