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A periodic commentary from a fellow american on his personal trials with disability, the government, politics, and the general state of affairs in the US, with maybe some artists' news thrown in - who knows what you may find here - we'll see!
Monday, August 02, 2004
It's funny that congress is holding hearing on the problems with SSDI. If you're disabled you must wait up to 2 years for a disposition on your case. Take it from someone who's been there - you pay and you get screwed. I've paid into FICA-SSA for thirty years and I can't get any resolution. If I had gotten something done at the beginning I'd probably be back in the work force by now. Government solution - bury him in red tape - maybe he'll commit suicide or die before we have to do anything about it, it'll be cheper than paying benefits. ---- Still waiting - and dying in South Carolina.
Monday, May 03, 2004
Yeah, been gone awhile. Spent a week in the hospital with pneumonia (again) and 2 weeks more on recovery. Still on the mend, if (in my case) you could call it that. Workin' on insurance and Social Security stuff this week. Will it never end? It looks as if it is time for me to start writing to people - Congressmen, Senators, bureaucrats, etc. - because up to this point I've been getting nowhere fast. If anyone out there knows a good place to start please E-Mail at FalconBright@bellsouth.net. Be back later, hopefully with better news.
Thursday, April 01, 2004
I've got so much chaos goin' in my life I can't really elaborate at the moment (until it's dealt with) so in the meantime, here are some quotations for perusal: Quotes are funny, people don't always discuss the topics you would expect them to.
The problem of power is how to achieve its responsible use rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - of how to get men of power to live for the public rather than off the public.
-Robert F. Kennedy (1925 - 1968), 'I Remember, I Believe,' The Pursuit of Justice, 1964
It isn't that they can't see the solution. It is that they can't see the problem.
-G. K. Chesterton (1874 - 1936), Scandal of Father Brown (1935)
What we’re saying today is that you’re either part of the solution or you’re part of the problem.
-Eldridge Cleaver (1935 - ), Speech in San Francisco, 1968
Men decide far more problems by hate, love, lust, rage, sorrow, joy, hope, fear, illusion, or some other inward emotion, than by reality, authority, any legal standard, judicial precedent, or statute.
-Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC)
What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them.
-Henry Ford II (1917 - 1987)
No problem is so formidable that you can't walk away from it.
-Charles M. Schulz (1922 - 2000)
The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it.
-Alan Saporta
When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves.
-Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book
My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income.
-Errol Flynn (1909 - 1959)
Till next time: Ernie "jaidaksghost" - "Bright Raven" Bertrand
The problem of power is how to achieve its responsible use rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - of how to get men of power to live for the public rather than off the public.
-Robert F. Kennedy (1925 - 1968), 'I Remember, I Believe,' The Pursuit of Justice, 1964
It isn't that they can't see the solution. It is that they can't see the problem.
-G. K. Chesterton (1874 - 1936), Scandal of Father Brown (1935)
What we’re saying today is that you’re either part of the solution or you’re part of the problem.
-Eldridge Cleaver (1935 - ), Speech in San Francisco, 1968
Men decide far more problems by hate, love, lust, rage, sorrow, joy, hope, fear, illusion, or some other inward emotion, than by reality, authority, any legal standard, judicial precedent, or statute.
-Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC)
What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them.
-Henry Ford II (1917 - 1987)
No problem is so formidable that you can't walk away from it.
-Charles M. Schulz (1922 - 2000)
The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it.
-Alan Saporta
When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves.
-Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book
My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income.
-Errol Flynn (1909 - 1959)
Till next time: Ernie "jaidaksghost" - "Bright Raven" Bertrand
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Government beauracracy is a strange animal. Example: When filing tax returns you get the money (whether your return was bogus or not) and then (maybe) you get investigated, for disability you get investigated (usually turned down), have to go through an up to two year battle and then you get paid. Kinda ass-backwards isn't it. The people who can already take care of themselves get the benefit of the doubt, the poor and disabled get the shaft. Need proof? Check out these statistics. I see them as quite alarming!
SSDI Claims/Applications Statistics:
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Society - SSDI/SSI wouldn't give me this information
...recent data (early 2004) indicates that nationwide, roughly 62% of initial claims for Social Security Disability Insurance were denied, and that most applicants who went on to file a written appeal called the "reconsideration" were also turned down. Only 16% of these second-level claims were approved.
The third level provides a face-to-face hearing before an administrative law judge called the ALJ hearing. This level represents the best chance of receiving a favorable decision. (Nearly 60% of recent hearing decisions were overturned in favor of the applicant.) However, no applicant is entitled to an ALJ hearing until Levels 1 and 2 have been completed.
IRS AUDIT STATISTICS:
Source- Internal Revenue Service Forms 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ Percent audited in Fiscal 1996
Income of $25,000 to under $50,000 0.95
$50,000 to under $100,000 1.16
$100,000 and over 2.85
Schedule C (Sole Proprietorships)
Gross receipts under $25,000 4.21
$25,000 to under $100,000 2.85
$100,000 and over 4.09
Estate Tax Returns
Gross Estate under $1,000,000 7.85
$1 million to under $5 million 21.42
Over $5 million 49.33
IRS AUDITS ARE GOING DOWN: Expected 1998- 1.09%, down from 1.27% in 1997 and 1.67% in 1995 and 1996.
It needs to be noted that the IRS uses a list of red flags to determine who gets audited and that the refund is paid up front regardless. Looking at the statistics it seems like the more more money people make the more tricks they try to pull, thus sending up more red flags, and making it all the more difficult for the honest folk among us.
Right now I am in the second stage of the SSDI fiasco. The outcome is probably a forgone conclusion considering the statistics. There are also some new problems: due to cuts I am about to lose my food stamp allotment, and may never receive Medicaid coverage. (eligibility is tied to SSDI approval - as of January 1, 2004 the qualifying guidelines for Medicaid and food stamps have become much stricter - I wonder if defense spending and / or political agenda's have anything to do with this? - anyone remember the Vietnam War? I do!)
SSDI Claims/Applications Statistics:
Source: Multiple Sclerosis Society - SSDI/SSI wouldn't give me this information
...recent data (early 2004) indicates that nationwide, roughly 62% of initial claims for Social Security Disability Insurance were denied, and that most applicants who went on to file a written appeal called the "reconsideration" were also turned down. Only 16% of these second-level claims were approved.
The third level provides a face-to-face hearing before an administrative law judge called the ALJ hearing. This level represents the best chance of receiving a favorable decision. (Nearly 60% of recent hearing decisions were overturned in favor of the applicant.) However, no applicant is entitled to an ALJ hearing until Levels 1 and 2 have been completed.
IRS AUDIT STATISTICS:
Source- Internal Revenue Service Forms 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ Percent audited in Fiscal 1996
Income of $25,000 to under $50,000 0.95
$50,000 to under $100,000 1.16
$100,000 and over 2.85
Schedule C (Sole Proprietorships)
Gross receipts under $25,000 4.21
$25,000 to under $100,000 2.85
$100,000 and over 4.09
Estate Tax Returns
Gross Estate under $1,000,000 7.85
$1 million to under $5 million 21.42
Over $5 million 49.33
IRS AUDITS ARE GOING DOWN: Expected 1998- 1.09%, down from 1.27% in 1997 and 1.67% in 1995 and 1996.
It needs to be noted that the IRS uses a list of red flags to determine who gets audited and that the refund is paid up front regardless. Looking at the statistics it seems like the more more money people make the more tricks they try to pull, thus sending up more red flags, and making it all the more difficult for the honest folk among us.
Right now I am in the second stage of the SSDI fiasco. The outcome is probably a forgone conclusion considering the statistics. There are also some new problems: due to cuts I am about to lose my food stamp allotment, and may never receive Medicaid coverage. (eligibility is tied to SSDI approval - as of January 1, 2004 the qualifying guidelines for Medicaid and food stamps have become much stricter - I wonder if defense spending and / or political agenda's have anything to do with this? - anyone remember the Vietnam War? I do!)
Sunday, March 07, 2004
Been bedridden 3 days - pain unbearable - no pain medication - paperwork piling up - kinda lost. I'm at a loss as to where to go next. Got stuff to do and can't get my brain to function enough to do it.
If confusion is the first step to knowledge, I must be a genius.
-Larry Leissner
If confusion is the first step to knowledge, I must be a genius.
-Larry Leissner
Sunday, February 22, 2004
If a nation chooses to put in place programs to help those in need - then should it not make those programs accessible to those who actually need them! And should they not also do so in a timely fashion so as to prevent the needy from perishing due to that need.
-yours truly on the condition of aid to the needy and disabled in America.
The above is a reference to the fact that those under 65 have an average 2 year wait to receive social security disability and medicare benefits - there are many who die or commit suicide before ever receiving benefits. Mine is a case toward that point. I was sent to the doctor for evaluation by SSDI and South Carolina's Vocational Rehab. One visit. The doctors sent the same report to both agencies. SSDI denied me and SCVR accepted me. Medicaid was then put on hold because, being federally funded, it is tied to an acceptance by SSDI. If I had not been disabled I could have received Medicaid under different guidelines. So now I get sicker and more depressed waiting for resolution of my case. Wouldn't it have been better to be able to see a doctor and maybe get well enough for Vocational Rehabilitation to get me back into the workforce. Instead, my health deteriorates and I wonder if I will be able to recover enough to return to work. I have only been waiting a little over a year and my lawyer says I may not get my hearing until this time next year - God help me.
If I am not to receive the benefits for which I have had to pay out of my paycheck all these years - then can I be refunded the money so, for a little while at least, I can take care of myself! Oh, sorry, I forgot that paying to bury someone is a lot cheaper than having to pay to keep them alive, at least with what our government pays for a burial.
Do I sound cynical today? I'm feeling that way. Anyway, here are some quotes from men much wiser than I.
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.
-Albert Einstein
If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
-John F. Kennedy, inaugural address, January 20, 1961
Contact me by e-mail at FalconBright@bellsouth.net.
-yours truly on the condition of aid to the needy and disabled in America.
The above is a reference to the fact that those under 65 have an average 2 year wait to receive social security disability and medicare benefits - there are many who die or commit suicide before ever receiving benefits. Mine is a case toward that point. I was sent to the doctor for evaluation by SSDI and South Carolina's Vocational Rehab. One visit. The doctors sent the same report to both agencies. SSDI denied me and SCVR accepted me. Medicaid was then put on hold because, being federally funded, it is tied to an acceptance by SSDI. If I had not been disabled I could have received Medicaid under different guidelines. So now I get sicker and more depressed waiting for resolution of my case. Wouldn't it have been better to be able to see a doctor and maybe get well enough for Vocational Rehabilitation to get me back into the workforce. Instead, my health deteriorates and I wonder if I will be able to recover enough to return to work. I have only been waiting a little over a year and my lawyer says I may not get my hearing until this time next year - God help me.
If I am not to receive the benefits for which I have had to pay out of my paycheck all these years - then can I be refunded the money so, for a little while at least, I can take care of myself! Oh, sorry, I forgot that paying to bury someone is a lot cheaper than having to pay to keep them alive, at least with what our government pays for a burial.
Do I sound cynical today? I'm feeling that way. Anyway, here are some quotes from men much wiser than I.
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.
-Albert Einstein
If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.
-John F. Kennedy, inaugural address, January 20, 1961
Contact me by e-mail at FalconBright@bellsouth.net.
Been ill - so I'm just gonna post some quotes.
To err is human, to forgive divine.
Alexander Pope (1688 - 1744), An Essay on Criticism
Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.
John F. Kennedy
I'm not feeling very forgiving toward insurance companies and government agencies at the moment. It seems as if they can always find a way to keep me waiting in the hopes that I'll go away. Lately I've been so sick and depressed they've been getting their wish. Tomorrow is Monday and hopefully I'll be feeling well enough to forgive them - right before I start making the repeated phone calls that ruin their serenity.
To err is human, to forgive divine.
Alexander Pope (1688 - 1744), An Essay on Criticism
Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.
John F. Kennedy
I'm not feeling very forgiving toward insurance companies and government agencies at the moment. It seems as if they can always find a way to keep me waiting in the hopes that I'll go away. Lately I've been so sick and depressed they've been getting their wish. Tomorrow is Monday and hopefully I'll be feeling well enough to forgive them - right before I start making the repeated phone calls that ruin their serenity.
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Came back awful quick this time. Miracles do happen. Something about this blog needed attending to.
If you have good information for the blog, information I can use myself, you need some information, would like to know what information I have, or simply need a sympathetic ear once in a while; e-mail me at FalconBright@bellsouth.net. We can work together to help one another survive the trials of the world and our disabilities.
"The first step in solving a problem is to tell someone about it!" - anonymous.
Luck to all - be back later.
If you have good information for the blog, information I can use myself, you need some information, would like to know what information I have, or simply need a sympathetic ear once in a while; e-mail me at FalconBright@bellsouth.net. We can work together to help one another survive the trials of the world and our disabilities.
"The first step in solving a problem is to tell someone about it!" - anonymous.
Luck to all - be back later.
I'm back finally. Been a long month. Had a very bad couple of spells. Twice to the hospital with pneumonia. Medication got doubled. Lawyer said it would probably be another year before Social Security gave me a hearing. Still fighting with Medicaid for coverage. Same old, same old!
I did find out that you could sign up to receive updates from congress and the senate on what's going on in the commitees and their subcommitees. There is a site called "Contacting Congress" that gives phone numbers and e-mail adresses for each commitee / subcommitee as a whole, and for each member individually. The internet address for the site is listed below. If you have problems similar to mine you should give em' a yell. Can't hurt!
Not gonna' put much else today, I'm feeling really rough.
Address for "Contacting Congress": www.visi.com/juan/congress
I did find out that you could sign up to receive updates from congress and the senate on what's going on in the commitees and their subcommitees. There is a site called "Contacting Congress" that gives phone numbers and e-mail adresses for each commitee / subcommitee as a whole, and for each member individually. The internet address for the site is listed below. If you have problems similar to mine you should give em' a yell. Can't hurt!
Not gonna' put much else today, I'm feeling really rough.
Address for "Contacting Congress": www.visi.com/juan/congress
