This article discusses Social Security coverage for dementia and Alzheimer’s in the USA. For UK readers, it’s important to note that both conditions are covered under Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those under State Pension age and Attendance Allowance for those over State Pension age.
These UK benefits focus on how the illness affects daily life rather than specific diagnoses. Eligibility depends on the level of care and support needed due to the condition’s impact on daily activities and mobility.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has included early onset Alzheimer’s disease in its Compassionate Allowances Initiative (CAL). This move gives Americans living with the disease expedited financial support. This is important because Alzheimer’s and dementia are severe medical conditions that cause memory loss and behavioral concerns — and there’s no definitive timing on progression.
The urgency of the situation demands immediate and comprehensive support for those affected. Typically, those with disabilities must partake in a lengthy process before receiving Medicare coverage.
What Is the Compassionate Allowances Initiative and What Does It Do?
Researchers estimate that 1.8 million people with disabilities deal with Medicare and medical service waiting periods. However, some medical conditions are so severe and progress quickly and randomly that it’s crucial to cut through the bureaucratic tape and timelines of traditional financial support programs like Social Security Disability.
It’s not just about the patient’s livelihood but also their comfort and convenience, especially regarding mentally debilitating diseases. People’s quality of life can deteriorate rapidly. Therefore, ensuring they have all the support they need is top priority.
The Compassionate Allowances Initiative exists to expedite and streamline the related claims for those affected. It speeds up Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Income (SSI) claims.
Do Dementia and Alzheimer’s Count as Disabilities?
These diseases count as disabilities and meet the conditional requirements to be classified as so under Social Security Disability programs. Because there are varying forms of both diseases, the Compassionate Allowances Initiative now includes:
- Adult-onset Huntington’s disease
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Early and adult-onset Alzheimer’s
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Pick’s disease – Type A
- Mixed dementia
- Primary progressive aphasia (PPA)
- Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
- The ALS Parkinsonism dementia complex
What Support Is Available for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients?
Federal and financial programs include guidelines on how patients can use funds. What kind of support is available for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Palliative and hospice care usually occurs where the patient is living, including at their or a family member’s home. Is in-home care like this covered under the Social Security Disability program? The answer is yes — SSDI can pay for in-home and hospice care or even help family members who are caring for them. It has to be a qualifying disability, and Alzheimer’s and dementia qualify.
That’s still a critical support option because, in the United States, in-home care costs an average of $6,481 a month or $77,769 per year. At the top end, that’s about as much as most people’s salary, if not more. Getting that financial support can be a real game-changer for everyone involved and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Qualifying care for these diseases also includes:
- In-home or attentive nursing seven days a week for up to eight hours daily or 28 hours per week.
- Services and care provided by a licensed nurse, including injections, wound care, feedings, catheters and evaluations.
- Professional therapy services like physical, speech and occupational care.
- Home health aides to assist with daily tasks like bathing, bathroom usage, dressing and more.
- Counseling or medical social services to assist with mental and behavioral changes.
- Medical supplies and equipment necessary for care and coverage.
What Are the Qualifications for Care and Coverage?
For the most part, dementia and Alzheimer’s care is covered in full by Social Security programs, but patients do need to meet the following conditions for in-home and consistent care:
- All patients must be homebound.
- Patients require skilled and licensed care.
- A doctor must approve and sign off on care.
- The care must be provided by a compatible home health agency (HHA).
For the final point, a great example is a patient on Medicare. Those providing licensed services and care must be employed by a Medicare-certified home health agency.
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: Consistent Care and Medical Support Is Available
It is important for everyone associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s — from the patients themselves to the family taking care of them — to stay informed about coverage and support. Having access to financial help can ensure quality and licensed care as well as better and happier experiences for those living with these diseases.
It’s not something you have to tackle alone if these ailments are affecting you. You can also seek support if a close family member is going through it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Is there a cure?
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in any of its forms. Most medical care is focused on improving the quality of life for those affected. Medicine and drugs may be available, but they’re designed to slow the progression of the disease rather than cure it.
That’s another reason why it’s crucial to have financial and medical support access.
What are the symptoms of these diseases?
While not identical, many symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia overlap. They both affect patients through cognitive, social and sometimes physical conditions. No two people will have the same symptoms, however.
Similarities between the diseases include memory loss, brain fog, the loss of practical or physical abilities, and social decline.
My family member has the disease. Does that mean I will get it?
There are rare forms of genetic and familial diseases, like vascular dementia. However, these cognitive conditions are often caused by environmental and other health concerns, such as diabetes, brain infections or damage to blood vessels in the brain.
What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
This insurance provides monthly payments or stipends to aid with health care and is offered to disabled individuals or select family members of disabled people. To qualify, you must have worked long enough and paid into Social Security taxes.
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Similar to SSDI, Supplemental Security Income is a benefit paid to those in financial need, but they must be age 65 or older or meet specific conditions, such as being blind or disabled.
