Social Security Coverage Guidance
Plain-language guidance and trusted resources on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Compassionate Allowances, insurance tips, and how to appeal denials.
How to Secure Social Security Disability for Cancer
If you have a cancer diagnosis and cannot work, these resources explain eligibility, fast-track options like Compassionate Allowances, and the medical evidence needed to support your claim.
Triage Cancer – Disability Insurance
Understand disability insurance types, applying and appealing, how benefits coordinate, and legal protections.
Visit Triage CancerSSA – Compassionate Allowances
Conditions that may qualify for expedited SSDI/SSI decisions.
View Compassionate AllowancesGeneral: Triage Cancer Resources
Straightforward, accurate information about health and disability insurance, Medicaid/Medicare, finances, estate planning, and more.
triagecancer.orgCompassionate Allowances Program
The SSA’s Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program helps the agency quickly identify conditions that, by definition, meet standards for disability benefits.
- Search the CAL conditions list to see if your diagnosis may qualify.
- Submit comprehensive medical evidence with your application.
- Ask your oncology team for documentation aligned to SSA criteria.
Insurance Guidance: Reminders
- Read your insurance policy before chemotherapy and try to determine what your plan will cover. Discuss costs with your oncologist.
- Open, review, and file bills and insurance notices immediately. If you have COBRA coverage, pay premiums in full and on time.
- Create a system for recording expenses and claims, filed under categories like “submitted” and “paid.”
- Pay by check or use a traceable method and attach confirmations to the related bill.
- Ask if your insurer assigned a case manager and keep them informed. If your claim is denied, resubmit it and keep copies and notes.
- Request that your doctor, hospital, and/or treatment center provide peer-reviewed studies to demonstrate effectiveness.
- Contact your Medicaid office and ask pharmaceutical companies about reimbursement specialists. If confused, ask a nurse navigator, social worker, or financial advocate.
Hospitals typically have staff who can help resolve issues, locate interpreters, explain consent forms, and find help for co-pays or costly drugs. Organizations such as CoPatient and the Patient Advocate Foundation also assist with denials and medical debt.
Appealing Insurance Denials
It’s common for insurers to initially deny coverage for tests, procedures, or services. You can appeal decisions and may get them overturned.
- Check whether your clinic has a staff member who can assist with the appeal.
- If medication coverage is denied, some manufacturers may help with appeals.
- Be courteous and precise, and document everything.
- If an internal appeal is denied, request a final written decision and file an external appeal.
- Contact your state Consumer Assistance Program, insurance department, or Department of Labor for more help.
Video: When an Insurance Company Denies a Claim
Watch on VimeoContact the National LMS Foundation
We’re here to provide additional guidance and connect you with support resources.