When someone applies for Social Security Disability or files a claim for SSI, there’s a good chance that they’re going to need to provide medical records as evidence on their behalf. It makes sense that the SSA would make this request. After all, they can’t just hand money out to people without proof that there really is a problem, can they?
Unfortunately, the SSA’s request for your medical records isn’t the problem. The fact that some people have to pay an exorbitant amount for them, however, is.
Pay to Prove Your Disability
There are two issues here that need to be dealt with. The first one is that people applying for Social Security and SSI have to pay to get their medical records at all. These are people who are already struggling to make it, and disability benefits are supposed to be a safety net that they can count on. But if they have to shell out money they don’t have just to get paperwork that should be readily available, who is that really helping?
Some states, of course, have rules in place that prevent this from happening, but that brings us to the second issue: the amount that you will have to pay for your medical records varies greatly from state to state. In California, you get a single copy of your medical records for free. You only have to pay if you win your claim or you’re represented by an Social Security Disability attorney. Alaska, in contrast, has no laws in place regarding this whatsoever – medical providers can charge whatever they want!
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You Shouldn’t Have to Pay for Social Security Disability
Why are some states more friendly towards claimants than others? Because groups like NOSSCR and even regular citizens have pushed hard to get laws passed that help. If you live in a state that demands exorbitant payment for medical records or has decided not to regulate the cost at all, the best thing you can do is contact your representative and let them know how you feel. When enough people make their voices heard, change can happen.
Learn more helpful hints and keep up with all the latest Social Security news by reading our weekly blog. We also have a free Social Security eBook that anyone thinking about filing a disability claim should download.
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