People with disabilities have to spend a lot of money on medical care, services, and equipment. Women with disabilities can feel very anxious about the costs of their care because of how often they need doctor's visits, procedures, or equipment. Many women also do not have health insurance, or have low incomes.

Last updated: August 2004

Publications

1.   Disability Starter Kit - The Disability Starter Kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application. Kits are available for adults and for children under age 18. The kit includes a fact sheet, checklist, and worksheet.
   
   
2.   Financial Help for Diabetes Care - Many people who have diabetes need help paying some of the bills. It's a good idea to start by looking for an insurance plan that covers as many diabetes-related expenses as possible. A variety of governmental and nongovernmental programs exist to help, depending on whether you qualify. This publication discusses the options.
   
   
3.   Title XVII - Health Insurance for the Aged and Disabled - This report is an online copy of the Social Security Act Title XVII.
   
   
4.   How to Pay For Mental Health Services - The cost of mental health services is a financial challenge for just about everyone. This fact sheet discusses ways to pay for care and suggests resources for people who need more information.
   
   
5.   New Freedom Initiative: Fulfilling America's Promise to Americans with Disabilities - On February 1, 2001, President George W. Bush announced the New Freedom Initiative as part of a nationwide effort to remove barriers to community living for people with disabilities. This Internet site is a source for information about the initiative's specific proposals that directly involve the Department of Health and Human Services and information about Executive Order 13217, "Community-Based Alternatives for Individuals with Disabilities," issued on June 18, 2001.
   
   
6.   Resources for Adults with Disabilities - This publication helps adults with disabilities to find organizations and resources formulated to assist them with employment, postsecondary education, recreation, independent living and assistive technology.
   
   
7.   Social Security For People Living With HIV/AIDS - If you have HIV/AIDS and cannot work, you may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. This publication provides information about how to qualify and file for the benefits.
   
   
8.   Social Security: If You Are Blind or Have Low Vision - How We Can Help (No. 05-10052) - This booklet explains the special rules and describes other available services to the blind so they can get the most out of the Social Security and SSI programs.
   
   
9.   Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know (No. 05-10127) - This booklet offers important information about Social Security coverage and women. It explains what to do if there is a change in name, marital status, employment, and retirement.
   
   
10.   What You Need To Know When You Get Disability Benefits (No. 05-10153) - This on-line resource can assist with questions you may have after receiving disability benefits. It provides information on reporting changes that could affect your benefits, review of your case, and returning to work.
    
    
11.   Your Right to Representation (No. 05-10075) - This publication explains how you may have a representative help you deal with the Social Security Administration.
    
    
12. BenefitsCheckUp (Copyright © NCOA) - The BenefitsCheckUp web site helps people find programs for seniors that may pay for some of their costs of prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other essential items or services. By filling out a simple questionnaire users can find programs that can assist them and their loved ones.
    
    
13. CDR Guide to Disability Rights (And Dealing with the System) (Copyright © CDR) - This fact sheet offers advice and referrals on the following subjects: employment, free medication, Social Security benefits, special education, tax benefits for families, and other helpful web sites and internet resources.
    
    
14. Free Medications (Copyright © CDR) - This brief article describes the free medication program through the Pharmaceutical Research Manufacturers' Association, and provides information on how your doctor can enroll you in this program.
    
    

Organizations

1.   Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HHS
   
   
2.   DisabilityInfo.gov
   
   
3.   Job Accommodation Network
   
   
4.   National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, NIDDK, NIH, HHS
   
   
5.   National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, HHS
   
   
6. American Health Assistance Foundation
   
   
7. Army and Air Force Mutual Aid Association
   
   
8. Breast Health Access for Women With Disabilities
   
   
9. Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Inc.
   
   
10. Global Fund for Women
    
    
11. Info to Go
    
    
12. Laurent Clerc National Education Center
    
    
13. National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc.
    
    
14. National Patient Travel HelpLine
    
    
15. National Transplant Assistance Fund
    
    
16. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
    
    
17. The Office of Disability, Aging and Long-Term Care Policy
    
    

= Indicates Federal Resources